Rheinmetall, KNDS, and Thales: Several EU defense companies have approved a joint project worth billions of dollars
Kyiv • UNN
Rheinmetall, KNDS, and Thales will join forces to develop new weapons, including the MGCS tank. The project, the successor to Leopard and Leclerc, should be ready by the 2030s.
The Franco-German project envisages investing efforts in the development of new generation weapons, in particular the latest MGCS (Main Ground Combat System) tank. UNN reports with reference to Handelsblatt, DW and the Federal Anti-Monopoly Office of Germany.
Details
Plans of three European arms manufacturers to create a joint venture to be based in Germany have been approved. The Federal Anti-Monopoly Office of Germany has allowed the joint development of an ultra-modern ground combat system by KNDS Deutschland (formerly Krauss-Maffei Wegmann (KMW)), KNDS France (formerly Nexter), Rheinmetall Landsysteme and Thales SIX.
The companies signed an agreement on MGCS Project Company GmbH shareholders, based in Cologne, at the end of January in Paris.
Reference
The weapons system, known as the "Main Ground Combat System" (MGCS), is designed to connect battle tanks to a data transmission network with auxiliary means such as drones and other unmanned systems.
The MGCS main battle tank project is intended as a successor to the Leopard and Leclerc tanks of both countries and is expected to be ready for operation in the 2030s.
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According to Handelsblatt, the relevant project does not cause serious concerns about competition. It is noted that the companies complement each other, creating strong competition for other manufacturers. It is also reported that the only customers in the context of MGCS will be the governments of Germany and France.
Addition
DW reminds that Rheinmetall produces tanks, military trucks, artillery, anti-aircraft guns and ammunition - weapons that are extremely necessary, in particular, for the Armed Forces of Ukraine in countering the aggression of the Russian Federation.
