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

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

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

Innovative Gun Design and Enhanced Capabilities  

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

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

French Leclerc Tank Evolution  

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

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

Rheinmetall’s Panr KF51 vancements  

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

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