After the collapse of the FCAS fighter programme, Rheinmetall CEO Armin Papperger has raised doubts about whether the planned Franco-German tank project will ever materialise.
Norway has signed the CAVS Framework Agreement, allowing serial procurement of 6×6 armoured vehicles while Lithuania has decided to buy 936 vehicles at an estimated cost of €1.5 billion.
DRDO has flagged off indigenous Advanced Armoured Platforms under the Vikram VT 21 programme, developed with Tata Advanced Systems and Bharat Forge. The tracked and wheeled vehicles feature a 30 mm crewless turret, modular protection, and are designed for multiple combat roles.
European defence company KNDS has confirmed plans to go public in 2026, with a stock market listing in both Paris and Frankfurt. The German-French group, manufactures the Leopard 2 main battle tank and the CAESAR artillery system.
Franco-German manufacturer KNDS has secured 350 orders from five countries for the newest Leopard 2A8 main battle tank, with Germany alone committing to 123 units and planning to expand its purchase. The upgraded A8 variant features enhanced protection systems and represents several billion euros in confirmed contracts, with production expected to run for years.
The Leonardo Rheinmetall Military Vehicles joint venture has received its first contract to supply 21 A2CS Combat vehicles to the Italian Army, marking a major step in Italy–Germany defence cooperation and European industrial integration. The supply is part of the Italian Army’s A2CS – Army Armoured Combat System program, which plans for a total acquisition of 1,050 armoured combat vehicles to replace its current heavy vehicle fleet.
The RFIs issued by the Indian Navy for submarines and helicopters have created a model for the implementation of Make in India in defence, which will become the standard for future programs.
