At Eurosatory 2026, KNDS delivered one of the exhibition’s most comprehensive demonstrations of future land combat capabilities, unveiling a series of technologies that illustrate how armoured warfare is evolving in response to lessons learned from recent conflicts. From a revolutionary main battle tank concept and integrated drone-launch systems to advanced loitering munitions and digitally connected mission architectures, the company presented a vision of highly networked, autonomous and survivable land forces designed for the battlefield of tomorrow.

At the centre of the KNDS stand was the latest evolution of the LEOPARD 2 A-RC 3.0, a fully self-financed technology demonstrator that reimagines the architecture of the modern main battle tank. Rather than simply upgrading the proven LEOPARD 2 platform, the concept explores entirely new approaches to crew protection, vehicle design and operational effectiveness.

The most striking feature of the vehicle is its remotely controlled unmanned turret, allowing the entire three-person crew to be relocated inside the hull. This significantly reduces the protected volume that requires heavy armour while simultaneously improving crew survivability and reducing overall vehicle weight. The innovative gun mounting system ensures that the main weapon no longer intrudes into the hull during elevation, freeing valuable internal space and enabling new possibilities for vehicle layout and future upgrades.

Designed with long-term growth potential in mind, the LEOPARD 2 A-RC 3.0 can accommodate 120 mm, 130 mm or even 140 mm main armament, providing armed forces with flexibility as future firepower requirements continue to evolve. Recognising the growing threat posed by unmanned aerial systems, KNDS has also placed considerable emphasis on counter-drone protection. The vehicle features an advanced modular secondary weapon station capable of changing both weapons and ammunition while incorporating a foldable design that simplifies rail transport. Its open digital architecture has also been prepared for enhanced networking and future battlefield connectivity.

While the LEOPARD 2 remains in service with 24 nations around the world, the A-RC 3.0 demonstrates how one of the world’s most successful main battle tanks could evolve to meet the operational demands of the coming decades.

Beyond the next generation of armoured vehicles, KNDS used Eurosatory to demonstrate its broader “Mission Solution” philosophy, illustrating how future combat operations will increasingly rely on the seamless integration of manned platforms, autonomous systems and digital command networks.

A major highlight was the unveiling of the company’s first prototype universal 20-foot drone launch container, designed to deploy multiple unmanned aerial systems from distributed positions across the battlefield. The modular launcher integrates autonomous interceptor drones developed by TYTAN Technologies alongside AI-enabled loitering munitions from Helsing, creating a flexible architecture capable of supporting surveillance, strike missions and counter-UAS operations from a single platform.

The system reflects a growing emphasis on operational flexibility and distributed warfare. By allowing different drone types and payloads to be rapidly integrated according to mission requirements, KNDS aims to simplify battlefield logistics while enabling commanders to deploy sensors and effectors wherever they are needed most. The concept also demonstrates the company’s strategy of building an open European defence ecosystem in cooperation with innovative technology partners capable of rapidly introducing new capabilities into operational service.

Loitering munitions represented another major focus of the KNDS presence at Eurosatory 2026. Building upon years of investment in warhead technologies and systems integration, the company showcased one of Europe’s most comprehensive sovereign loitering munition portfolios. The Mataris family, developed together with Delair and EOS Technologie, already includes the MX-10, which entered operational service with the French Army in late 2025. At Eurosatory, KNDS expanded this portfolio with several new systems covering missions from close tactical support to long-range precision strike.

Among the most significant developments is a new artillery loitering munition capable of extending engagement ranges to approximately 150 kilometres while carrying heavier warheads that complement conventional artillery systems. For mechanised forces, KNDS introduced the MT10, an onboard loitering munition designed specifically for integration onto armoured vehicles. Scheduled to become available from mid-2027, the system will provide reconnaissance, beyond-line-of-sight engagement and close protection capabilities directly to combat units operating on the front line.

Supporting these capabilities is the newly unveiled AIMC2 command-and-control station, designed to manage multiple loitering munitions simultaneously while remaining fully compatible with a wide range of Battle Management Systems. Together, these systems illustrate KNDS’ objective of integrating autonomous effectors into a unified operational architecture rather than treating them as stand-alone capabilities.

Perhaps the most innovative announcement was the introduction of the MTO-T (Munition TéléOpérée – Terrestre), the company’s first ground-based loitering munition. Developed directly from operational lessons emerging from the war in Ukraine, the system addresses scenarios where aerial drones often encounter significant limitations. Operating silently without continuous electromagnetic emissions, the MTO-T can remain concealed for extended periods before engaging targets on operator command. This makes it particularly suitable for urban operations, underground environments, breaching missions and GPS-denied battlefields where electronic warfare increasingly challenges conventional unmanned aerial systems.

Designed for affordable large-scale production, the MTO-T fills an important capability gap between inexpensive unmanned ground vehicles and airborne loitering munitions, providing ground forces with an additional precision engagement option during high-intensity operations.

Taken together, the technologies presented by KNDS at Eurosatory 2026 reveal a coherent vision for the future of land warfare. Rather than focusing on individual platforms, the company is increasingly developing interconnected combat ecosystems that combine advanced armoured vehicles, autonomous systems, artificial intelligence, loitering munitions, counter-drone capabilities and digital command networks into a single operational framework.

As armed forces continue adapting to the realities of modern high-intensity conflict, KNDS is positioning itself not only as a manufacturer of armoured vehicles but as a systems integrator capable of delivering comprehensive battlefield solutions. Its Eurosatory 2026 showcase demonstrated that the future of land combat will depend as much on connectivity, autonomy and mission integration as it will on armour and firepower.