Under the auspices of the Italian Ministry of Defence, Leonardo and KNDS have signed an agreement, which enhances their cooperation. 

The aim is to create a truly European Defence Group and, specifically, to cooperate more closely in the field of land-based electronics. 

According to a relevant announcement, such a strategic alliance will enable the implementation of programs in cooperation among European nations by strengthening their national industrial base and developing the future generation of armored vehicle platforms, including the Main Ground Combat System (MGCS) program.

Also, it is worth mentioning that Italy – with defence firm Leonardo – has joined the MGCS program with France and Germany.

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This alliance supports the strategy defined by the Italian MoD in the Documento Programmatico Difesa 2023-2025 and in the Action Plan of the Agreement recently signed by the Governments of Italy and Germany.

In addition, Leonardo and KNDS have also signed an Agreement to jointly implement the planned Main Battle Tank (MBT) procurement program with a solution based on LEOPARD 2 A8. The Companies will collaborate in the development, manufacturing, and maintenance of the LEOPARD 2 A8 solution for the Italian Army as well as the support platforms.

The alliance between Leonardo and KNDS aims to create further production and development capabilities in Italy and to use these for future European projects and exports.

The Italian Ministry of Defence is currently working on two major programs for the renewal of its Land Forces: firstly, the procurement of the LEOPARD MBT with support vehicles and, secondly, new Infantry Fighting Vehicles (IFVs) under the AICS plus program for combat support systems.

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