Eurosatory 2022: Rheinmetall unveils KF51 Panther tank with 130 mm gun

Rheinmetall unveiled its new KF51 Panther main battle tank (MBT) concept vehicle armed with a 130 mm gun on the first day of the Eurosatory 2022 defence exhibition being held in Paris from 13 to 17 June. During the ceremony presenting the tank, Rheinmetall CEO Armin Papperger described the tank as a “gamechanger”, combining lethality, protection, reconnaissance, networking, and mobility.

The MBT’s lethality is provided by the 130 mm smoothbore Rheinmetall Future Gun System (FGS), complemented by a 12.7 mm co-axial machine gun for close defence and to counter unmanned aerial vehicles. Options include Rheinmetall’s Natter 7.62 mm remote-controlled weapon station and Rheinmetall partner UVision’s Hero 120 loitering munition to hit targets beyond line of sight.

The FGS can fire kinetic energy, programmable airburst, and practice rounds. The autoloader in the rear of the turret carries 20 ready rounds, compared with 15 plus 27 in the magazine of a Leopard 2 tank.