Leonardo and KNDS, together with the Italian Ministry of Defence, have signed a strategic alliance to define and further develop a closer collaboration.
The objective of the agreement, in fact, is the creation of a European Defense Group and the strengthening of collaboration in the field of terrestrial electronics.
The strategic alliance will allow the implementation of collaborative programs between European nations through the strengthening of their industrial bases and the development of the future generation of armored vehicle platforms, including the MGCS (Main Ground Combat System).
The agreement is in line both with the strategy defined by the Italian Ministry of Defense in the Defense Programmatic Document 2023-2025, and with the Action Plan of the Agreement recently signed by the Governments of Italy and Germany.
Furthermore, Leonardo and KNDS have signed an agreement for the joint implementation of the procurement program for the Main Battle Tank (MBT) based on the LEOPARD 2 A8. The companies will collaborate in the development, construction and maintenance of the LEOPARD 2 A8 for the Italian Army, as well as support platforms.
The joint objective is to further increase production and development capabilities in Italy and to use them for future European and export projects.
The Italian Ministry of Defense is currently working on two important programs for the renewal of its Land Forces: the procurement of LEOPARD MBTs and support vehicles, as well as new Infantry Fighting Vehicles (IFVs) known as AICS and of combat support systems.
DEEPENING
knds is the result of the aggregation of Krauss-Maffei Wegmann and Nexter, two of Europe's leading manufacturers of military land systems based in Germany and France.
The Group has approximately 9.000 employees and achieved a 2022 turnover of 3,2 billion euros, an order book of approximately 11 billion euros and incoming orders of 3,4 billion euros. Its product range includes major battle tanks, armored vehicles, artillery systems, weapon systems, ammunition, military bridges, customer services, battle management systems, training solutions, protection solutions and a wide range of equipment.
The formation of KNDS represents the beginning of consolidation in the field of land defense systems in Europe. The strategic alliance between KMW and Nexter improves the competitiveness and international positions of both groups, as well as their ability to meet the needs of their respective national militaries. Furthermore, it offers its European and NATO customers the opportunity for greater standardization and interoperability for their defense equipment, with a reliable industrial base. KNDS is based in Amsterdam.
Leonardo is a leading global aerospace, defense and security (AD&S) company. With 51.000 employees worldwide, it operates in the helicopter, electronics, aeronautics, cybersecurity and space sectors and is a key partner in major international programs including Eurofighter, NH-90, FREMM, GCAP and Eurodrone . Leonardo has significant industrial capabilities in Italy, the United Kingdom, Poland and the United States and also operates through subsidiaries, joint ventures and shareholdings, including Leonardo DRS (72,3%), MBDA (25%), ATR (50%), Hensoldt (25,1%), Telespazio (67%), Thales Alenia Space (33%) and Avio (29,6%). Listed on the Milan Stock Exchange (LDO), Leonardo recorded new orders of 2022 billion euros in 17,3, with an order book of 37,5 billion euros and consolidated revenues of 14,7 billion euros. The company is included in the MIB ESG index and has been part of the Dow Jones Sustainability Indices (DJSI) since 2010.
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