A collaborative effort between KNDS Deutschland and Rheinmetall Landsysteme has initiated a groundbreaking program aimed at developing Europe’s next-generation main battle tank, enhancing the continent’s strategic defense capabilities. The project, named Main ARmoured Tank of Europe (MARTE), received a significant financial boost with a 20-million-euro ($24-million) grant from the European Defence Fund.
This joint venture, called MARTE ARGE, encompasses 51 organizations across 12 European countries. It includes a mix of prominent defense companies, research institutions, and small- and medium-sized enterprises. Moreover, the project has garnered the support of 11 European ministries of defense, who are anticipated to be the future users of the new armored platform. Germany’s Ministry of Defense is taking a leading role in this initiative, with additional backing from Belgium, Spain, Estonia, Finland, Greece, Italy, the Netherlands, Norway, Romania, and Sweden.
The MARTE program aims to focus on the conceptual and design phases necessary for a main battle tank that can address the evolving nature of operational threats. To achieve this, the initiative will integrate emerging and disruptive technologies and draw on the insights gained from recent conflicts.
Management of the MARTE program will be handled by MARTE ARGE, supported by the consulting firm Erdyn and a core team comprising five defense companies: KNDS Deutschland and Rheinmetall Landsysteme from Germany, Leonardo from Italy, Indra Sistemas from Spain, and Saab from Sweden. Each of these companies will spearhead one of the five technical work packages crucial to the project.
This initiative aligns with broader European efforts to upgrade armored vehicle capabilities under the umbrella of the Technologies for Existing and Future Main Battle Tanks (FMBTech) project. This larger undertaking is being led by Thales and involves 26 companies from 13 EU member states, as well as Norway, with financial backing from the European Defence Fund.
In addition to the MARTE program, there is an ongoing Franco-German initiative aimed at replacing the aging German Leopard 2 and French Leclerc main battle tanks. In January, KNDS Deutschland, KNDS France, Rheinmetall Landsysteme, and Thales formed a joint venture for this program, known as the Main Ground Combat System. Notably, the MARTE project is being spearheaded solely by Germany’s KNDS and Rheinmetall, with no French firms involved.
