Bertin Environics is one of the consortium partners of FMBTech funded by the European Defense Fund (EDF), that features 8 SMEs and 5 RTOs, from 14 EU Member States or European-associated countries.
Technologies for Existing & Future MBTs
The FMBTech project aims to deliver major technological disruptions that will bring key operational capabilities and game-changing performances to the main battle tank (MBT) concept of operations.
As current fleets across the EU age, there is an urgent need to update these crucial assets to maintain their strategic advantage.
FMBTech focuses on integrating the latest technologies to ensure that both existing and future MBTs remain at the forefront of battlefield effectiveness, safety, and affordability.
By developing modular and adaptable solutions based on Innovative Technology Bricks (ITB), FMBTech addresses current and future combat requirements, enhancing both effectiveness and safety to build the future.
FMBTech is a Development Action under the European Defence Fund. The European Defence Fund (EDF) is a financial instrument created by the European Union in 2017 as part of the Common Security and Defence Policy (CSDP).
Key Technical elements
- Modular Architecture Design
Features cutting-edge technologies with a flexible system architecture that allows for easy upgrades and integration of state-of-the-art Technologies Bricks, enhancing existing and future MBTs’ needs with a Digitised Capabilities Envelope. - Integrated Command and Control
Enhances mission success with robust command and control systems, both local and remote. - Enhanced Safety
Utilises advanced threat detection with remote operation and intelligent systems, including thermal imaging and radar, to reduce crew exposure to drones and precision-guided munitions in combat situations. - Refined Interoperability
Ensures compatibility with other systems and platforms for coordinated operations and adaptability to emerging threats. A common basis architecture to ensure the necessary capabilities to operate together as one. - Ethics- by-design Artificial Intelligence
Performs ethics-by-design machine learning for improved decision-making and autonomous capabilities.
Bertin Environics Role in FMBTech Project
Bertin Environics is co-leader in the survivability working group that specifies the future main battle tanks survivability requirements.
It contributes with its expertise in CBRN (Chemical, Biological, Radiological, and Nuclear) detection and protection technologies to enhance the safety and situational awareness of future Main Battle Tanks. Building on its long experience in developing rugged, vehicle-integrated detection systems — such as X-System — Bertin Environics is expected to develop and integrate modular sensor solutions capable of identifying hazardous substances and CBRN environmental threats on the battlefield. Through these technologies, Bertin Environics supports FMBTech’s goal of creating adaptable, interoperable systems that improve crew protection and operational resilience, strengthening Europe’s technological sovereignty in defence. Application Manager Petri Karhula is the contact person in charge of this project.