KNDS Proposes Mixed French-German Tank as Interim Leclerc Replacement
KNDS unveiled a tank design at the Eurosatory defense show that combines a French turret and gun with a German Leopard 2 hull. The company aims to deliver the first units in the 2030s as a bridge until the Main Ground Combat System arrives.
Defense NewsKNDS presented a main battle tank design at the Eurosatory defense show on Monday that mounts a French-developed unmanned turret and 120mm auto-loader smoothbore gun on the hull of Germany's Leopard 2. The proposal includes an in-house active protection system and the option to upgrade the cannon to 140mm.
The French Army's Leclerc tanks are expected to reach the end of their service life before the Main Ground Combat System enters service in the mid-2040s.
KNDS said the new tank, called Capint for intermediate capability, would serve as a bridge solution and a building block for the larger project. Gen. Olivier Coquet, head of the French Army's technical section, said on Sunday that the country intends the interim tank to support future combat requirements.
KNDS CEO Jean-Paul Alary stated at a Monday press conference that work on the tank could accelerate elements of the Main Ground Combat System timeline. The company plans to deliver the first Capint units in the 2030s.
