Leonardo’s IDV Unveils Uncrewed Light Tank at Eurosatory

Key Takeaways

• CL2X hybrid tank weighs 16 t, carries 5 t payload.
• 30 mm HITFIST turret provides fire support and anti‑drone capability.
• Silent mode enables 30 km operation with reduced detection risk.
• Manned‑Unmanned Teaming lets small crews command larger robotic forces.
• IDV’s MACE software enables operation where GPS is jammed.

Pulse Analysis

The debut of Leonardo’s CL2X at Eurosatory underscores a broader industry pivot toward autonomous ground combat platforms. By marrying a series‑hybrid powertrain with rubber tracks, the 16‑ton vehicle can cruise silently for up to 30 kilometres, a capability that mitigates acoustic detection and enhances survivability on contested terrain. Its 30 mm HITFIST 30 UL turret, equipped with air‑burst munitions, expands the traditional role of light armor, allowing it to support main battle tanks, neutralize aerial threats, and engage point targets with precision.

Technical specifications set the CL2X apart from legacy tanks. A top speed of 70 km/h and a 500‑kilometre operational radius give it strategic mobility, while a 5‑ton payload accommodates additional weaponry or mission modules. The hybrid system’s range‑extender recharges batteries on the move, ensuring sustained power without sacrificing the low‑signature benefits of electric drive. Compared with conventional crewed tanks, the CL2X offers a lower logistical footprint and reduced personnel risk, aligning with NATO’s push for cost‑effective, high‑tempo warfare solutions.

Strategically, the CL2X illustrates the accelerating adoption of manned‑unmanned teaming (MUT) across NATO forces. IDV’s MACE autonomy software and ATLAS navigation system, capable of operating in GPS‑denied environments, enable retrofitting of existing platforms, lowering acquisition costs for allies. As drones and asymmetric threats proliferate, the ability for a small command crew to coordinate swarms of robotic assets becomes a decisive advantage. Competitors are racing to field similar systems, but Leonardo’s integrated hardware‑software approach positions it as a key supplier in the emerging market for autonomous land combat solutions.