MARTE – Main ARmoured Tank of Europe
The MARTE project (Main ARmoured Tank of Europe)
represents a major strategic leap forward for European
defense collaboration, focusing on the research and design
of a next-generation Main Battle Tank (MBT) system.
Officially launched on December 1st, 2024, the initiative is led
by MARTE ARGE GbR, a joint venture between Germany’s
KNDS Deutschland GmbH & Co.KG and Rheinmetall
Landsysteme GmbH. This high-level project, co-funded by
the European Defence Fund (EDF), has received a €20
million grant from the European Commission and brings
together a diverse consortium of 51 entities across 12
countries (11 EU Member States plus Norway).
The overarching goal of MARTE is to develop a future-proof
MBT system that meets evolving operational requirements
and security threats, while also promoting Europe’s
technological sovereignty. The project reflects Europe’s
strategic intent to strengthen its defense capabilities in light
of recent geopolitical tensions and shifting global dynamics.
It also underscores a shared commitment to innovation and
resilience in the face of emerging warfare challenges,
including lessons learned from ongoing conflicts.
The MARTE consortium is notably inclusive, combining the
expertise of major defense companies, research institutions,
innovative SMEs, and mid-sized enterprises (MidCaps). The
collaborative effort is supported by 11 national Ministries of
Defense (MoDs)—from Germany, Belgium, Spain, Estonia,
Finland, Greece, Italy, Netherlands, Norway, Romania, and
Sweden—highlighting strong political and financial backing.
The German Ministry of Defense plays a leading role,
positioning Germany as a central player in shaping Europe’s
defense future.
The project has been structured into five technical Work
Packages, each managed by a key defense company that
brings extensive experience and leadership in armored
systems. These are:
- KNDS Deutschland GmbH & Co.KG
(Germany) - Rheinmetall Landsysteme GmbH (Germany)
- Leonardo S.p.A. (Italy)
- Indra Sistemas S.A. (Spain)
- SAAB AB (Sweden)
Together, these firms, supported by the consulting company
Erdyn, will manage the project’s coordination and drive the
technical and engineering efforts. Each Work Package is
responsible for a critical aspect of the tank system’s
development, leveraging cross-border expertise and
synergies.
The project’s scope includes the integration of advanced and
disruptive technologies to ensure that the new MBT system
is not only capable of meeting current battlefield requirements
but also adaptable to future threats. This includes
advancements in survivability, mobility, firepower, command
and control systems, and interoperability with allied forces.
French-German partnership
in the defence sector:
ARQUUS and Daimler
Truck are joining forces
The French military vehicle manufacturer Arquus and the
German commercial vehicle manufacturer Daimler Truck
want to work closely together on a project-specific basis. This
partnership serves strategic cooperation beyond the two
companies’ own business activities and includes joint vehicle
development, production, sales and services in the area of
military wheeled vehicles. The two companies aim to develop
tailored products and processes to better meet the needs of
customers in the defence sector, with a particular focus on
contributing to the future modernization of the French Army’s
fleet of logistics trucks. To this end, Arquus and Daimler Truck
combine their expertise and capabilities across their sites in
France and Germany.
Emmanuel Levacher, CEO Arquus: “This partnership will take
us forward together. Both companies know the needs of
armed forces inside out and will also benefit from each other’s
many years of experience. This will have a positive impact on
joint vehicle development, synergies in the area of production
expertise and optimized service for our customers.”
The official launch of the project took place during a two-day
Kick-Off Meeting in Stockholm on December 5–6, 2024. This
gathering brought together all consortium partners and key
stakeholders to initiate collaboration, set objectives, and align
the project’s ambitious roadmap.
In conclusion, MARTE is a landmark initiative that embodies
Europe’s vision for a modernized, self-reliant defense
infrastructure. By fostering technological innovation,
multinational cooperation, and shared defense responsibility,
the project is expected to significantly impact European
defense capabilities and contribute to collective security for
years to come.
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