The standardization of weapons is the order of the day when it comes to the military's cost discipline.
For decades, western armies afforded themselves the luxury of choosing from a wealth of complexly produced systems.
While the US armed forces have a standard tank, around a dozen different types are in use with NATO partners in Europe.
The Leopard was an exception: The main battle tank, which has been built by Krauss-Maffei Wegmann (KMW) in Munich and Rheinmetall since 1978, has been sold 3,600 times and is in service with the armies of 19 nations.
A successor to the "export hit" is overdue - but it is highly unlikely that the German rivals will pull together again.
After a failed entry attempt by Rheinmetall, KMW has been cooperating with the French counterpart Nexter since 2015 to build a new standard tank for European armies.
Rheinmetall is going it alone with the Panther model in order to stand up to the duo.
A major setback for the desired standardization in tank construction.
It would make more economic sense for the military and taxpayers if national outfitters pooled their strength and finally forged European alliances.