Leonardo’s 120 mm L55 and VULCANO Ammunition: Multi-Range Precision and Cooperative Targeting for Panther-IT MBT

Leonardo, the Italian defense technology firm, has introduced two new developments in armored warfare: the 120 mm L55 tank gun and the 120 mm VULCANO guided ammunition. These systems were unveiled during a live-fire demonstration at the Cottrau proving ground in Portovenere, La Spezia, marking a significant milestone in Italy’s ongoing military modernization efforts.

Panther MBT. Photo: rheinmetall.com

The 120 mm L55 cannon, also referred to as the 120/L55, represents a progression from earlier models such as the L44 and L45. Developed entirely through internal funding, the L55 is designed specifically for tracked platforms due to its recoil characteristics, which preclude its use on wheeled vehicles. The gun incorporates a new autofrettaging process that enhances its ability to withstand higher internal pressures. This process, along with a dual hydraulic recoil brake system and an oil-gas accumulator, contributes to improved firing stability and barrel longevity.

The barrel itself is approximately 500 kg heavier than its predecessor, the L45, and delivers a 5% increase in muzzle velocity. Constructed from the same alloy used in the Centauro II’s L45 gun, the L55 features a revised geometry to accommodate increased stress. The recoil stroke measures around 550 mm, and the barrel is expected to have a service life of approximately 1,200 rounds, although this figure varies depending on the ammunition type, with APFSDS rounds causing more wear.

Compatibility with NATO-standard 120 mm ammunition is a key feature of the L55, including support for airburst munitions that require a programming interface. The gun’s modular architecture allows for retrofitting onto legacy turrets, such as those found on the Ariete C2 and the HITFACT MkII. Leonardo has verified the mechanical cycle of the gun, including breech actuation and spent case ejection, through extensive testing.

Complementing the L55 is the 120 mm VULCANO round, a sub-caliber guided munition derived from Leonardo’s existing VULCANO family, which includes variants for naval and artillery applications. The 120 mm version is designed for indirect fire and has a maximum range of approximately 30 kilometers. It is capable of engaging a variety of targets, including armored vehicles, air defense systems, and rocket launchers, with an emphasis on functional damage—such as disabling optics and antennas—rather than structural destruction.

The VULCANO round employs a combination of inertial navigation, laser, and infrared terminal guidance, enabling operation in environments where GNSS signals may be denied. Its modular design allows for component reuse across different calibers, facilitating economies of scale and reducing development timelines. The round is also ITAR-free, enhancing its export potential and interoperability within NATO.

Integration of the L55 cannon and VULCANO ammunition into the Panther-IT main battle tank is a central component of Italy’s armored forces modernization program. The Panther-IT is a localized variant of the KF-51 Panther developed by Rheinmetall and produced through the Leonardo Rheinmetall Military Vehicles (LRMV) joint venture. Of the 132 Panther-IT tanks planned for acquisition, 82 will be equipped with the L55 gun, while the remaining 50 will feature Rheinmetall’s L55A1.

The Panther-IT’s turret has been modified to accommodate the increased mass and altered center of gravity of the L55, necessitating stronger electric actuators, particularly for elevation. The platform itself is built on the Leopard 2A4 chassis and features a V12 engine rated at 1,500 horsepower, offering a top speed of 70 km/h and a range of 500 kilometers. Additional features include Rheinmetall’s StrikeShield active protection system, loitering munitions such as HERO 120, and digital C4I components.

Leonardo’s La Spezia facility has undergone significant upgrades to support production, including the addition of two autofrettaging machines and the hiring of 300 new employees. Production capacity is projected to reach 800 barrels per year by 2026, with approximately half allocated to large-caliber land and naval systems.

The decision to retain the 120 mm caliber for Italy’s future MBTs, despite earlier presentations of the Panther with a 130 mm gun, reflects a strategic assessment of operational requirements and logistical considerations. The 130 mm caliber offers limited advantages in range and penetration, while introducing complications in terms of interoperability and supply chain integration within NATO. The 120 mm caliber, by contrast, benefits from widespread adoption, a mature logistics infrastructure, and compatibility with a broad spectrum of ammunition types, including programmable and guided rounds.

Historically, the 120 mm smoothbore gun has become the standard for Western MBTs, following its development by Rheinmetall in the 1970s and subsequent adoption by platforms such as the Leopard 2 and M1 Abrams. Its balance of firepower, weight, and versatility has made it a preferred choice over both smaller calibers like the 105 mm and larger ones such as the 130 mm and 140 mm, which pose challenges in terms of recoil management and autoloader design.

The integration of the L55 and VULCANO systems into the Panther-IT underscores a broader shift in armored warfare toward precision, adaptability, and networked operations. These technologies enable tanks to perform roles beyond traditional direct fire engagements, including long-range support and cooperative targeting with unmanned systems. As Italy continues to invest in its defense capabilities, the L55 and VULCANO represent a convergence of legacy design principles and emerging operational demands, positioning the Panther-IT as a versatile platform for future combat scenarios.