Europe launches MARTE project to develop next-generation Main Battle Tank
Bonn, July 1, 2025 — Europe has taken a major stride toward defense modernization and strategic autonomy with the launch of Project MARTE (Main ARmoured Tank of Europe), a pioneering initiative aimed at developing a new Main Battle Tank (MBT) system to meet the evolving challenges of modern warfare.
Coordinated by MARTE ARGE GbR, a joint venture between KNDS Deutschland GmbH & Co.KG and Rheinmetall Landsysteme GmbH, the project brings together an extensive network of partners, including major defense firms, mid-sized enterprises, research institutions, and innovative small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). The European Commission has awarded MARTE a grant of approximately €20 million through the European Defence Fund.
Beyond European funding, the project enjoys robust support from 11 national Ministries of Defense, led by Germany. Defense ministries from Belgium, Spain, Estonia, Finland, Greece, Italy, the Netherlands, Norway, Romania, and Sweden have all joined forces in this strategic endeavor.
At a time of rising geopolitical tensions, the MARTE initiative underlines Europe’s determination to enhance its technological sovereignty and secure its defense capabilities. “This project reflects the collective ambition to bolster Europe’s strategic independence and ensure that European forces are equipped for future threats,” said representatives from the MARTE consortium.
MARTE aims to design a next-generation MBT system that integrates innovative and disruptive technologies. The goal is to create a highly resilient defense solution tailored to the complex demands of modern battlefields, while incorporating lessons learned from current global conflicts.
The consortium behind MARTE comprises 51 legal entities from 12 European countries (including Norway). Each partner brings specialized expertise to the effort, ensuring a collaborative and technologically advanced approach.
Key coordination and management of the project are handled by MARTE ARGE GbR, supported by the consulting firm Erdyn and five leading European defense companies: KNDS Deutschland GmbH & Co.KG and Rheinmetall Landsysteme GmbH (Germany), Leonardo SPA (Italy), Indra Sistemas SA (Spain), and SAAB AB (Sweden). These industry leaders are spearheading five technical work packages that will shape the future tank’s capabilities.
The official start of the MARTE project was marked on December 1, 2024, following the signing of the grant agreement with the European Commission. The kickoff meeting, held on December 5-6, 2024, in Stockholm, brought together stakeholders and partners to outline the roadmap for this landmark defense initiative.
As Europe looks to the future, the MARTE project stands as a symbol of unity and technological ambition, poised to redefine the continent’s armored warfare capabilities for decades to come.
