Leonardo Unveils Powerful New 120 mm L55 Tank Gun for Future Battle Tanks

Leonardo has officially unveiled its new 120 mm L55 tank gun, designed for future-generation main battle tanks (MBTs). The event took place at the Cottrau test range near La Spezia, Italy, showcasing the gun in a live six-round firing session—just weeks after its first successful test on June 24, 2025.

This cutting-edge weapon system represents a complete in-house development by Leonardo, funded entirely by the company. The L55 is intended exclusively for tracked platforms and cannot be installed on wheeled vehicles due to its high recoil. It is expected to be one of the key weapons for the upcoming i-MBT, a joint Italian-German battle tank being developed under Leonardo and Rheinmetall’s joint venture, LRMV.

Built on Legacy, Designed for the Future

The L55 draws from Leonardo’s deep experience with previous tank guns like the 120 mm L44 on the Ariete MBT and the L45 on the Centauro II. However, the L55 takes firepower and design to a whole new level. Its longer barrel increases muzzle velocity by about 5% compared to the L45, providing greater penetration and accuracy—especially when firing modern APFSDS rounds, such as Rheinmetall’s KE2020Neo.

The gun was developed in just 18 months from design to first firing—an impressively short timeline enabled by advanced computer simulations and in-house production capability. During development, Leonardo made extensive use of finite element modeling, thermal simulations, and dynamic testing software to reduce time and costs without compromising quality.

Heavy-Duty Engineering and High Performance

Several core components of the L55 have been completely redesigned to handle higher stress and pressure. This includes:

• A stronger breech block

• Reinforced recoil brake system with two hydraulic cylinders

• A new oil-gas accumulator to manage pressure variation

• A barrel made with improved steel alloys and optimized autofrettaging process for longer life

The barrel is also equipped with a four-part thermal sleeve, combining composite materials and aluminum to resist heat and corrosion, especially during sustained firing. Despite being about 500 kg heavier than its predecessor, the gun maintains a similar 550 mm recoil stroke, ensuring it can be retrofitted on older platforms like the Ariete C-2 with some turret modifications.

Production Scaling Up

To meet growing demand, Leonardo has made major investments at its La Spezia facility, aiming for an annual production of 800 barrels—split evenly between medium and heavy calibres. The facility recently added two autofrettaging machines and hired 300 new employees, most in the mechanical and production departments.

In 2024, the factory produced 170 barrels, with a target of 260 in 2025, demonstrating a significant scale-up as Europe prepares for over 1,000 tracked platforms over the next decade.

Flexible and NATO-Compatible

The L55 gun is fully compatible with all NATO-standard 120 mm ammunition, including airburst rounds, provided the tank system includes a compatible programming system. Leonardo has ensured modular design, allowing this gun to be fitted on existing turrets and future platforms alike, boosting flexibility and export potential.

Ready for the Battlefield by 2026

Currently at Technology Readiness Level (TRL) 6, the L55 is expected to complete full qualification by Q3 of 2026. Five additional guns are already in production—five will go through rigorous testing, while the sixth is likely to be installed on a working platform for trials.

Leonardo’s goal is to offer not just a new gun, but a superior firepower system that raises the bar for European tank lethality. With rising demand for modern MBTs in Europe and beyond, the L55 could become a core component of NATO-aligned armored forces in the years to come.

This bold unveiling places Leonardo at the forefront of modern tank gun innovation, just as many armies are looking to upgrade their aging armored fleets with more powerful, precise, and modular weapons.