PARIS/ROME, — June 13, 2026 : Leonardo Rheinmetall Military Vehicles (LRMV), the joint venture between Italy’s Leonardo and Germany’s Rheinmetall, will present its new Italian Main Battle Tank (IMBT) prototype for the first time at the Eurosatory 2026 defense exhibition in Paris from June 15 to 19. The unveiling marks a major step in Italy’s long-term effort to modernize its armored forces and replace aging combat platforms.
The IMBT program was launched to replace the Italian Army’s Ariete main battle tanks, which have remained in service since the 1990s. While the Ariete fleet has undergone modernization upgrades, recent conflicts have highlighted the growing threat posed by anti-tank guided missiles, loitering munitions, and first-person-view (FPV) drones, prompting the development of a new generation of armored vehicles with enhanced protection and battlefield capabilities.
Based on Panther KF51 Technology
The new tank is structurally derived from Rheinmetall’s Panther KF51 platform, a next-generation main battle tank designed to address evolving operational requirements. The vehicle incorporates mission systems, electronic architecture, and weapons integration developed by Leonardo to meet the specific needs of the Italian Army.
LRMV operates as a 50:50 partnership between Leonardo and Rheinmetall. The company maintains its legal headquarters in Rome, while testing, integration, and assembly activities are conducted at facilities in La Spezia. The joint venture combines Rheinmetall’s expertise in armored vehicle development with Leonardo’s capabilities in electronics, sensors, and systems integration.
Layered Protection Against Modern Threats
A key feature of the IMBT prototype is its layered protection architecture, designed to improve survivability against a wide range of battlefield threats.
The vehicle is equipped with Rheinmetall’s StrikeShield Active Protection System (APS), a hard-kill defense solution capable of detecting and intercepting incoming anti-tank rockets, guided missiles, and certain armor-piercing projectiles before they reach the vehicle. The system is designed to reduce collateral effects on nearby infantry, making it suitable for operations in complex and urban environments.
The tank also features the ROSY Rapid Obscuring System, which can rapidly deploy visual and infrared smoke screens to disrupt enemy targeting systems and provide crews with additional time to reposition during combat engagements.
Complementing these systems is Leonardo’s Blaze 30 Remote Weapon Station, armed with a 30 mm cannon. The remotely operated turret enables crews to engage drones, aerial threats, light armored vehicles, and infantry while remaining protected inside the vehicle, reducing exposure to enemy fire and surveillance.
Part of Italy’s Wider Armored Modernization Effort
The IMBT debut comes as LRMV continues work on the Italian Army’s broader modernization programs.
On January 27, 2026, the joint venture delivered the first four Lynx KF-41 infantry fighting vehicles to the Italian Armed Forces at the Montelibretti experimentation center. The delivery officially launched the Army Armoured Combat System (A2CS) programme, which is based on a contract awarded in late 2025 for an initial batch of 21 combat vehicles.
The broader A2CS framework envisions the acquisition of more than 1,000 armored combat systems across 16 different variants, making it one of the largest military vehicle procurement programs currently underway in Europe.
For the main battle tank program, current plans call for approximately 132 tanks, alongside specialized variants including armored recovery, engineering, and bridge-laying vehicles. Total requirements for the tank family and related derivatives could reach around 380 vehicles.
Industrial and Export Ambitions
Beyond meeting Italian military requirements, LRMV is positioning itself as a major supplier for future European armored vehicle modernization projects.
Under the industrial arrangement supporting the program, around 60 percent of assembly work, homologation testing, and long-term logistical support activities will remain in Italy. This approach is intended to strengthen the country’s defense industrial base while ensuring domestic involvement throughout the production and support lifecycle.
The decision to unveil the IMBT at Eurosatory reflects the joint venture’s broader export ambitions. With defense spending increasing across Europe and several countries seeking replacements for older armored fleets, LRMV aims to offer a modular and production-ready platform capable of supporting modern, networked combat operations.
Eurosatory Debut
The Eurosatory 2026 exhibition will provide the first public opportunity for military delegations, defense officials, and industry representatives to examine the new Italian main battle tank prototype.
The unveiling is expected to highlight the progress made by Leonardo and Rheinmetall in developing a next-generation armored platform designed to meet Italy’s future operational requirements while also serving as a potential solution for allied nations seeking advanced land combat capabilities.
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