17.07.2023, 08:16
Zitat:Italy's MoD Awaits Final Approval to Acquire 125 Leopard 2A7/A8 Tanks to Strengthen Its Armed Forceshttps://www.armyrecognition.com/defense_...orces.html
According to a tweet published by A-129 Mangusta on June 12, 2023, Isabella Rauti, the Italian Undersecretary of Defense, announced the proposal to include Leopard 2A7 and Leopard 2A8 tanks in the Defense Planning Process (DPP) during a parliamentary session, aiming to enhance Italy's land capabilities. [...]
The agreements are still being finalized with Germany and Krauss Maffei Wegman (KWM) but it could be an order worth between 4 and 6 billion euros, with a contract signature next year.
Italy is planning to acquire new Leopard tanks from Germany and upgrade 125 of its existing Ariete tanks, in light of the Ukraine conflict and the growing importance of land warfare in Europe. Presently, Italy has 200 Ariete tanks, but only 50 are operational, prompting the country to seek more than 250 battle tanks to meet NATO requirements. The proposed budget for the tank acquisitions is set at four billion euros ($4.49 billion), starting in 2024, with a total projected expenditure of eight billion euros. However, parliamentary approval is required before the plan can be implemented.
Schneemann