DÜSSELDORF (dpa-AFX) - According to a press report, the armaments group Rheinmetall is on the verge of a multi-billion euro framework contract from Italy for tanks. As the "Handelsblatt" wrote on Wednesday, citing industry circles, the Italian government wants to order the Panther main battle tanks developed by Rheinmetall as well as the Lynx infantry fighting vehicle. The Rhinelanders are cooperating with the local manufacturer Leonardo, with whom a joint venture is to be founded in this context. The potential 15-year contract is said to be worth around 20 billion euros - including maintenance.

According to the plans, Italy wants to purchase at least 350 Lynx infantry fighting vehicles and more than 200 Panther main battle tanks. A Rheinmetall spokesperson would neither confirm nor comment on the matter. The Italian newspaper "Il Sole" had already reported on Tuesday that Rheinmetall and Leonardo were discussing a joint venture for Italian tanks and were planning to sign a letter of intent to this effect on Wednesday./mis/nas