Italy to Modernize Military with New KF51 Tanks and IFVs
The Italian Ministry of Defence has announced plans to enhance its ground forces by acquiring up to 380 new German KF51 Panther tanks. The initiative, announced at the IAV(International Armoured Vehicles) 2025 conference, also includes purchasing over 1,000 infantry fighting vehicles (IFVs). The new KF51 tanks will replace Italy’s aging C1 and C2 Ariete tanks and will be customized to meet the specific needs of the Italian Army. The program extends to include support vehicles built on the KF51 platform, ensuring a comprehensive upgrade of Italy’s armored vehicle fleet.
(Picture source: Rheinmetall)
In October 2024, Germany’s Rheinmetall and Italy’s Leonardo finalized a 50:50 joint venture to develop and manufacture military combat vehicles. The Panther KF51, developed by Rheinmetall will serve as Italy’s next-generation main battle tank and will replace Italy’s current Ariete tanks, of which only 50 out of 200 are fully operational.
The Italian government has approved a plan to invest approximately €8.2 billion($8.528 billion) in new-generation tanks and the modernization of the army’s ground forces. This investment, spanning from 2025 to 2038, includes an initial allocation of €5.4 billion($5.616 billion), with financing for the remaining €2.7 billion($2.808 billion) still to be arranged. The new tanks and IFVs will significantly enhance the mobility, firepower, and operational readiness of the Italian Army.
The Panther KF51 is a highly advanced next-generation main battle tank developed by Rheinmetall, designed for superior performance in modern warfare. It is equipped with a powerful 130mm Future Gun System (FGS), offering greater firepower and range compared to traditional 120mm guns. The tank also features an autoloader, which increases the rate of fire while reducing the crew’s workload. For secondary fire, the Panther KF51 includes a 12.7mm coaxial machine gun, and it can also be fitted with an optional loitering munition launcher for launching drones. Its advanced fire control system ensures exceptional accuracy and efficient target acquisition. In terms of mobility, the tank is powered by a 1,500+ horsepower diesel engine, allowing it to reach speeds of 65-70 km/h (40-43 mph) and maintain an operational range of over 500 km (310 miles). With its cutting-edge technology and robust features, the Panther KF51 is designed to excel in both offensive and defensive combat situations.