Italy is considering leasing 125 Leopard tanks

Italy is considering quickly obtaining 125 tanks and infantry fighting vehicles to serve as gap fillers while long-term projects are being implemented.

DefenseNews reported this.

Given Ukraine’s experience in the war against Russia and the importance of ground warfare capabilities, Italy is concerned about the aging and depletion of Ariete tanks and Dardo infantry fighting vehicles.

The publication’s sources in the Italian Ministry of Defense reported that planners envisage a current need for 250 main battle tanks, of which 125 could be upgraded Ariete tanks, and another 125 could be leased from allies.

These could be Leopard 2 tanks.

At the same time, the Italian Ministry of Defense is working on requirements for “next-generation” tanks and fighting vehicles that could be developed with Italian industrial input.

This regards the German-French program Main Ground Combat System (MGCS), among other things.

As previously reported, Italy is ready to purchase the most modern version of the German Leopard 2A7 tanks to replace its own Ariete tanks.

The expected costs to purchase 250 tanks and logistical support are estimated at approximately €8 billion.