Iveco Defence Vehicles (IDV) has signed a preliminary agreement with Leonardo to supply components for future contracts within the new Leonardo-Rheinmetall joint venture. IDV will contribute 12-15 percent of the joint venture’s total activities in developing and producing tracked combat ground vehicles for the Italian Army.
In October, Leonardo and Rheinmetall have officially formed a new joint venture, Leonardo Rheinmetall Military Vehicles (LRMV), dedicated to the development and production of military combat vehicles. This partnership follows a July 2024 Memorandum of Understanding and establishes a 50/50 joint venture headquartered in Rome with operational headquarters in La Spezia.
The first goal of LLRMV is to develop two vehicles, a new tank based on Rheinmetall’s KF51 Panther MBT and a new IFV based on the KF41 Lynx for Italy’s Armoured Infantry Combat System (AICS). Later the venture will define Italy’s participation in the future European Main Ground Combat System (MGCS).
IDV’s experience in advanced propulsion, drivetrain systems, and protection technologies makes it a valuable partner for the joint venture. This partnership will help ensure a significant portion of the venture’s core supplies are sourced from Italy.
A military history enthusiast, Richard began his career at Forecast International as editor of the World Weapons Weekly newsletter. As the Internet became central to defense research, he helped design the company’s Forecast Intelligence Center and now coordinates the FI Market Recap newsletters for clients. He also manages two blogs: Defense & Security Monitor, which covers defense systems and international security issues, and Flight Plan, focused on commercial aviation and space systems.
For more than 30 years, Richard has authored Defense & Aerospace Companies, Volume I (North America) and Volume II (International), providing detailed data on major aerospace and defense contractors. He also edits the International Contractors service, a database tracking all companies involved in programs covered by the FI library. Richard currently serves as Manager of the Information Services Group (ISG), which develops outbound content for both Forecast International and Military Periscope.
