European Defense Giants Push Forward with New Tank Concepts Amid Delays in Joint Franco-German Event

Paris: In a bid to address the need for next-generation battle tanks, European defence giants KNDS and Rheinmetall showcased new tank concepts at a recent industry event. The Franco-German Main Ground Combat System (MGCS) program has faced delays, prompting these companies to develop interim solutions. At the event, KNDS, a joint venture of Germany’s Krauss-Maffei Wegmann and France’s Nexter, introduced the Leopard 2 A-RC 3.0. Meanwhile, Rheinmetall presented another advanced model, emphasizing the need to innovate amid MGCS's uncertain timeline.  

KNDS unveiled the Leopard 2 A-RC 3.0 at a brief ceremony. Axel Scheibel, head of development, acknowledged the "slightly delayed" MGCS program, emphasizing the necessity for a new-generation tank. The Leopard 2 A-RC 3.0 promises a 10% weight reduction from its predecessor, incorporating significant design modifications. These changes include a new gun design and repositioning the three-person crew deeper into the protected chassis, enhancing protection while reducing armour weight.  

Innovative Gun Design and Enhanced Capabilities  

The key innovation in the Leopard 2 A-RC 3.0 is its main gun, which pivots on two points, maintaining a level barrel above the chassis. This design eliminates the need to account for dead space from the cannon's recoil, streamlining the tank's profile. The tank will offer options for 120mm, 130mm, or 140mm-caliber guns, reflecting a trend toward larger projectiles for increased range and kinetic impact. Additionally, the new munition delivery system is inspired by soda bottle distributors, allowing rapid loading of three initial rounds within 10 seconds.

KNDS plans to present a fully functioning demonstrator at the Eurosatory show in 2026. Until then, they will finalize the chassis design. Scheibel revealed that the A-RC 3.0 tank has already undergone driving and firing tests in a testable configuration, and the design has been presented to the German armed forces, the Bundeswehr. The modifications can be applied to existing Leopard 2 tanks, potentially capturing a significant future market.  

French Leclerc Tank Evolution  

In addition to the Leopard 2 A-RC 3.0, KNDS showcased a development version of the French Leclerc tank fitted with a 120mm Ascalon gun. This gun can be swapped for a 140mm barrel, with the switch taking about 25 minutes. Francois Groshany, who manages tracked armour programs at KNDS France, stated that the Leclerc Evolution tank is proposed as a new build. Existing Leclerc platforms could potentially be refitted, but this depends on economic considerations.

The Leclerc Evolution aims to complement the Leopard 2 rather than compete with it, targeting markets where the Leopard may not be relevant. The Ascalon cannon is designed to exceed the capabilities of current 120mm guns, with a targeted energy impact of at least 10 megajoules. The upgraded Leclerc will feature a 22-round autoloader in a two-person turret and include a 30mm gun for anti-drone operations and a launcher for loitering munitions.   

Rheinmetall’s Panther KF51 Advancements  

Rheinmetall, which made a significant impact at Eurosatory 2022 with the Panther KF51, introduced another model featuring an unmanned turret. This design allows the crew to sit lower in the protected chassis and provides 25 ready rounds for the 130mm main gun. Bjoern Bernhard, Rheinmetall's head of vehicle systems in Europe, noted the "obvious postponement" of the MGCS program, underscoring the need for interim advancements.

Charles Beaudouin, a retired major general and former head of the French Army’s equipment office, praised the level of innovation in tank technology at the event. He highlighted the transformative nature of these developments for European armed forces, emphasizing the shift from mere adaptation to a comprehensive transformation in defence capabilities.