Main Battle Tanks: Franco-German Joint Venture Insights
In a significant move towards modernizing armored warfare, KNDS Deutschland, KNDS France, Rheinmetall Landsysteme, and Thales recently formalized a shareholder agreement to create a joint venture focused on developing the next generation of main battle tanks. This initiative, known as the Franco-German Main Combat System of the Future, aims to replace the current German Leopard 2 and French Leclerc tanks, with an anticipated delivery timeframe set for 2040. This partnership marks a pivotal moment in the project, enabling the Cologne-based entity to take on the role of primary industrial contractor moving forward.
Despite the promising advancements, the project has faced hurdles stemming from budget disagreements and the distribution of industrial responsibilities between France and Germany. Additionally, discussions surrounding the development of crucial technologies, including weapon systems and essential components, have added layers of complexity. The first phase of the project will prioritize the development of eight key technologies, encompassing artificial intelligence-driven decision-making tools and advanced active protection systems. This initial phase, projected to last four years, aims to culminate in a prototype by 2030.
Joint Venture Formation
Ownership of the newly formed company will be evenly distributed among the four partner firms, reflecting a commitment to balance industrial activities between France and Germany. “This is a vital step toward creating the MGCS Project Company, which has now been finalized,” remarked KNDS in a recent press release. The company will act as the industrial project manager for the MGCS program, following successful negotiations with the BAAINBw, which represents both states through a unified Franco-German Combined Project Team. This collaboration is set to streamline the consolidation of the project’s conceptual and technological foundations.
The establishment of this joint venture underscores the growing collaboration between the two nations, as they aim to pool resources and expertise for the development of advanced military technologies. As the project progresses, both countries will work closely to ensure that the industrial activities align with their respective defense strategies, fostering innovation while also addressing potential challenges that may arise from the complexity of such a joint initiative.
Main Combat System Objectives
The Franco-German project aspires to create a suite of ground platforms based on a unified combat system, integrating cutting-edge offensive and defensive capabilities. Among the envisioned vehicles are a manned gun platform, a manned support vehicle equipped with missiles, and an unmanned ground vehicle featuring advanced sensors and long-range effectors. Designed to maintain a weight below 50 tons, the new platform will boast a main gun that surpasses the capabilities of the current 120mm weaponry utilized in both the Leclerc and Leopard 2 tanks.
One promising upgrade under consideration is the Nexter 140mm ASCALON, which promises compatibility with various munitions, enhancing range and armor penetration capabilities against contemporary reactive armor and defense technologies. Additionally, the system may be equipped with directed energy weapons and hypersonic guided missiles, further extending its combat effectiveness. The project also emphasizes increased digitization, automation, and networking capabilities, allowing seamless integration with other military platforms for a more cohesive operational strategy.
