MARTE: Main Armoured Tank of Europe

The European defence sector is taking an important step forward with the launch of the MARTE Project (acronym for Main ARmoured Tank of Europe), a cutting-edge initiative with great potential designed to strengthen Europe's technological autonomy through the development of a main battle tank (MBT) system. 

Coordinated and led by MARTE ARGE GbR, a joint venture between KNDS Deutschland GmbH & Co.KG and Rheinmetall Landsysteme GmbH, the MARTE project brings together complementary industrial partners, including leading large companies, medium-sized enterprises, research institutions and innovative SMEs. The ambitious proposal, submitted to the European Commission, has been selected to receive European Defence Fund funding of approximately 20 million euros. 

In addition to financial support, the MARTE consortium is backed by 11 defence ministries as potential future customers. Led by the German Ministry of Defence, the ministries of Belgium, Spain, Estonia, Finland, Greece, Italy, the Netherlands, Norway, Romania and Sweden are also participating. Against a backdrop of growing geopolitical uncertainty, this initiative reflects the desire for greater strategic autonomy in defence and security, thus representing a strategic investment in Europe's defence capabilities.

MARTE aims to carry out studies and design activities to create a future MBT system that adequately responds to current and future threats, as well as to the harmonised needs of the participating Member States. Innovative and disruptive technologies will be integrated to design a resilient defence system, adapted to the changing challenges of modern conflicts and taking into account lessons learned. 

To achieve this objective, a consortium of 51 entities from 12 European countries (11 Member States plus Norway) has agreed to contribute its experience and expertise in the best possible way. MARTE promotes technological innovation and cross-border collaboration. 

As coordinator, MARTE ARGE is responsible for project management with the support of the consulting firm Erdyn and a core team composed of five leading defence companies: KNDS Deutschland GmbH & Co.KG and Rheinmetall Landsysteme GmbH (both from Germany), Leonardo SPA (Italy), Indra (Spain) and SAAB AB (Sweden).

Based on their in-depth knowledge in the field of main battle tanks, each of these companies leads one of the five technical work packages into which the project has been structured, with the other entities contributing their relevant technical expertise. 

With the signing of the Financing Agreement between MARTE ARGE and the European Commission, the project officially began on 1 December 2024. The kick-off meeting was held on 5 and 6 December 2024 in Stockholm, bringing together key stakeholders and all consortium partners, marking a successful start to the project.