A German chassis and a French gun: the new battle tank unveiled on Monday at the Eurosatory defence industry exhibition exemplifies the possibilities of strategic partnership between Paris and Berlin.
Franco-German defence group KNDS unveiled its tank in a stopgap move to replace the French army's ageing Leclerc fleet as France and Germany's joint project to develop a next-generation tank faces delays.
The growing threat from Russia, coupled with US President Donald Trump's increasing reluctance to back Europe's defence, has European governments scrambling to step up their military capacity.
European collaboration on defence production, however, is facing challenges.
KNDS's launch of the new tank at the Eurosatory defence industry exhibition near Paris follows a decision by France and Germany last week to drop their joint FCAS fighter jet programme following months of disagreements between Airbus and Dassault Aviation.
Watch more End of FCAS 'flagship project' marks setback for Franco-German cooperation and European defence
KNDS said the tank – named CAPINT for “intermediary capability” – combines a chassis produced by KNDS's German division and a tank gun made by its French division.
It aims to strengthen French Army capabilities, the company said, and will “pave the way” for the Franco-German next-generation MGCS, or Main Ground Combat System.
Initiated in 2017, the MGCS is intended to replace Germany's Leopard 2 and France's Leclerc tanks, with entry into service initially targeted for 2040 to 2045.
The Leclerc tanks are scheduled to be taken out of service by 2038. And in April, French Armed Forces Minister Catherine Vautrin told parliament that Paris had decided to launch an “intermediate” tank programme to mitigate delays affecting MGCS, which she said was running about 10 years behind schedule.
The CEO of German group Rheinmetall, one of the MGCS initiative's shareholders, was quoted over the weekend as saying France was considering drastic cuts to the project's funding. A French government source said the project remains important for France and Germany as well as for KNDS.
Germany started working on its own plans parallel to MGCS in 2025, with an intermediate tank developed by KNDS Germany and Rheinmetall called Leopard 2AX or Leopard 3 to succeed its Leopard 2 fleet.
KNDS is currently preparing an IPO for a dual-listing in Frankfurt and Paris expected this year.
(FRANCE 24 with Reuters)
Ghana gaining notoriety for cocaine — Bawumia
Bawumia exposes NDC's ‘scam’ promises to Ghanaians
NPP chairmanship: Sammy Crabbe backs John Boadu in last-minute show
EOCO detention won't stop me from representing Salomey – Baffour Awuah
NPP’s focus is to reclaim power in 2028 — Osahen Afenyo-Markin
NPP must put aside differences, unite to rebuild party – Odeneho Kwaku Appiah
NPP delegates approve 14 constitutional amendment motions
NDC's 24-hour economy has turned into ‘24-hour demolition’ — Bawumia
NPP adopts amendment to make flagbearer party leader
NDC delegation exit NPP conference over delays, poor communication
