German defense giant Rheinmetall is determined not to miss out on Romania's massive competition for new main battle tanks to replace its aging T-55s and derivatives and is now pushing its KF51 Panther, the same tank previously offered to Ukraine and chosen by Italy.
According to Economedia, as well as hints from Rheinmetall CEO Armin Papperger, the company is actively promoting the Panther alongside another joint project the construction of a new powder production plant in Romania.
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Romania's tank modernization program is divided into two stages. The first involved acquiring 54 American M1A2 SEP v3 Abrams a fast-track solution meant to quickly bolster armored capabilities. The second phase envisions buying 216 new tanks and 76 support vehicles built on their chassis, worth between €6.5 and €8 billion. The tender also calls for high levels of localization, including assembly, electronics, optics, hull production, and final integration within Romania.
Rheinmetall, known for its flexible approach to industrial cooperation, is naturally eager to secure the deal. Success would not only establish the company's footprint in Romania but also strengthen its broader European production network benefiting ongoing projects in Italy and Hungary.
However, the KF51 Panther still faces significant challenges. Unlike its competitors, it hasn't entered serial production yet and currently exists only as a demonstrator. Italy's first unit is expected only by 2027, and even that will be an international variant.
Meanwhile, KNDS Germany's Leopard 2A8 already has a robust order book and has rolled off the production line for Norway, while South Korea's K2 is in full-scale production (around 120 tanks per year) and is being localized in Poland. Its manufacturer is also set to produce K9 self-propelled howitzers for Romania further strengthening Korean influence.
With such formidable competition offering proven, mass-produced tanks, Rheinmetall faces an uphill battle. Still, deeper industrial partnerships like the new powder plant could give the German firm the political and strategic leverage it needs to sway Romanian decision-makers in favor of the Panther.
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