FMBTech Project Launched to Develop Technologies for the European Tank of the Future

Under the coordination of Thales, the FMBTech project has officially commenced, intending to advance technologies for the European tank of the future.

This was revealed in Thales’ press release.

‘This European initiative seeks to revolutionize tank design, ensuring it meets the evolving demands of modern hybrid warfare. Thales is leading the effort, bringing together a consortium of 26 participants from 13 EU member states and Norway,’ the company stated.

The funding is provided by the European Commission, which has allocated €19 million under the European Defence Fund (EDF), as well as by the consortium itself.

The project aims to create maneuverable, intelligent, and interconnected combat tanks within three years, using ‘innovative technological solutions,’ which will overcome the limitations of existing outdated equipment fleets in the EU and Norway.

As noted by Europäische Sicherheit & Technik, the project involves companies from Belgium (1), Germany (1), Finland (3), France (6), Greece (1), Ireland (1), Italy (3), Norway (1), Poland (3), Slovakia (1), Slovenia (1), Spain (1), the Czech Republic (1), and Cyprus (2). They include companies such as Thales, Hensoldt, MBDA, and KNDS France, which have extensive experience in tank development.

Other European Tank Programs

Meanwhile, the Main Armored Tank of Europe (MARTE) project is being implemented to research and design a new main battle tank platform that will address current and future threats and needs. It will also integrate innovative and breakthrough technologies.

Additionally, the project explores the potential application of these technologies to modernize existing tanks. The duration of the MARTE project is planned for two years, with funding amounting to approximately €20 million.

Coordination is being carried out by MARTE ARGE, a joint venture between KNDS Germany and Rheinmetall. A total of 47 companies from twelve EU member states and Norway are participating in the MARTE project. Among them are major European armored vehicle manufacturers, such as KNDS Germany, Rheinmetall, as well as BAE Systems, DST, GDELS SBS, Hensoldt Optronics, Indra, John Cockerill Defense, Kongsberg, Leonardo, Patria, Renk, and Saab.

In addition, the Franco-German joint development of the Main Ground Combat System (MGCS) tank is ongoing, with plans to order the development of components by the end of 2025. Recently, the MGCS Project Company was established, serving as the primary contractor for the development and subsequent production of the MGCS.

The shareholders of MGCS Project Company are also involved in the FMBTech (Thales and KNDS France) and MARTE (KNDS Germany and Rheinmetall) projects. Additionally, a significant number of other companies from the FMBTech and MARTE consortia are engaged in the MGCS.

As the media noted, it is currently unknown whether there will be a transfer of technologies between the three programs or if the workstreams will be clearly separated.