Rheinmetall claims they designed the tank on their own, and it is not clear how much input the German military had on its design. There could even be an unmanned model someday. Each member of the crew can be cross-trained to work different aspects of operability. The digitized system allows for seamless communication on battle assignments, as well as sensing enemy tanks and incoming rounds. In a hype video, Rheinmetall calls this tank an “apex predator” that “dominates and destroys.” According to a corporate news release, the Panther “was designed from the ground up to deliver the highest lethality on the battlefield, combined with an integrated survivability concept and connected by a fully digitized NGVA (NATO Standardization) data backbone to enable next-generation operational capabilities and automation.” Rheinmetall declares the Panther is the future of “tanknology.” Rheinmetall probably wanted to get the Panther in front of potential European buyers as the war in Ukraine grinds on. The tank’s unveiling prompted some speculation: Will it replace the Leopard 2, or is the Panther meant for export only? The Leopard 2 is also in use by at least 18 countries, and many of the partners are NATO members. The Panther met the public at the Eurosatory defense exhibit in Paris on June 13. This main battle tank was the main crowd-pleaser at a military hardware show in Europe this week. The tank has advanced armor and a formidable 130mm gun. Rheinmetall just unveiled its KF51 Panther. Its upcoming main battle tank will be made available for sales to foreign clients, and it may someday replace the Leopard 2 in Germany itself. Why the KF51 Panther could be one impressive tank – Germany is bringing more firepower to its tank program.

Modernized panther tank