The European defense sector has embarked on an ambitious new endeavor with the launch of the MARTE (Main Armoured Tank of Europe) project, an initiative designed to develop a next-generation main battle tank tailored to the evolving demands of European armed forces. Announced by Rheinmetall, a prominent German defense contractor, this collaborative effort unites 51 entities from 12 countries under the leadership of MARTE ARGE, a joint venture formed by KNDS Deutschland GmbH & Co. KG and Rheinmetall Landsysteme GmbH.

The European Commission launched Project MARTE (an acronym for Main ARmoured Tank of Europe) on 1 July 2025 with a grant of approximately EUR 20 million from the European Defence Fund (EDF).

With funding and support from the European Defence Fund (EDF), the project aims to create a tank system capable of addressing modern battlefield challenges and reinforcing Europe’s defense capabilities. The MARTE project officially began on December 1, 2024, when MARTE ARGE and the European Commission signed the Grant Agreement, marking the formal start of this 24-month initiative.

Days later, a kick-off meeting took place in Stockholm, bringing together representatives from leading defense companies, research institutions, and small- and medium-sized enterprises to lay the groundwork for the collaboration. Over the next two years, the consortium will focus on conducting studies and crafting design concepts for a future tank system that aligns with the operational needs of participating European states while responding to emerging threats. Funding for MARTE comes from the European Defence Fund, which has committed approximately 20 million euros to the project.

This financial backing mirrors the support given to a parallel initiative known as FMBTech, which concentrates on developing technologies for both current and future main battle tanks and is primarily driven by French companies. Although the EDF supports these programs separately, Germany and France are also continuing their joint efforts on the Main Ground Combat System (MGCS), reflecting a multifaceted approach to advancing armored warfare capabilities across Europe.

The MARTE project is organized into five technical work packages, each overseen by one of the five core defense contractors forming the project’s backbone. KNDS Deutschland and Rheinmetall, both based in Germany, lead alongside Italy’s Leonardo S.p.A., Spain’s Indra Sistemas S.A., and Sweden’s Saab AB. This core team is supported by a consulting firm, Erdyn, and a diverse consortium that includes large enterprises, mid-sized companies, academic institutions, and startups.

Spanning 11 EU member states plus Norway, the 51 participating entities represent a broad industrial base aimed at fostering cross-border cooperation. However, past large-scale collaborations under the EDF have encountered difficulties in coordination and execution, suggesting that effective management will be critical to MARTE’s progress. Beyond industry involvement, the project enjoys robust governmental support, with 11 European defense ministries endorsing it as potential future customers. Alongside Germany, these include Belgium, Spain, Estonia, Finland, Greece, Italy, the Netherlands, Norway, Romania, and Sweden.

This widespread backing reflects a collective commitment to strengthening Europe’s independent defense capabilities, a priority that has gained momentum amid an uncertain geopolitical climate and the ongoing war in Ukraine. The conflict has reshaped defense priorities across the continent, emphasizing the need for modern, adaptable, and interoperable military equipment—goals that MARTE seeks to achieve. The European Defence Fund, established to promote joint defense research and development, has increasingly prioritized high-impact land systems projects in response to lessons learned from the war in Ukraine.

MARTE fits squarely within this focus, aiming to deliver a tank system that not only meets current threats but also anticipates future challenges. By pooling resources and expertise, the project seeks to reduce Europe’s reliance on non-EU platforms, a key aspect of the broader push for strategic autonomy in defense. This effort is about more than just building a new tank; it’s about ensuring Europe can independently equip its forces for armored conflicts in the years ahead.

In its entirety, the MARTE initiative represents a bold step forward for European defense collaboration. With 20 million euros from the EDF, a 24-month timeline, and the involvement of 51 entities from 12 countries, the project combines substantial resources with a clear purpose. The participation of leading contractors like KNDS Deutschland, Rheinmetall, Leonardo, Indra Sistemas, and Saab, alongside the support of 11 defense ministries, positions MARTE as a cornerstone of Europe’s evolving defense strategy. As the continent navigates a shifting global landscape, the success of this project could play a vital role in shaping its military future, delivering a next-generation tank that embodies both innovation and unity.