Bonjour, NATO: How France is Modernizing Its Tank Arsenal
During the ongoing war in Ukraine, thousands of Russian tanks have been destroyed – ranging from the most modern main battle tanks (MBTs) to older models that belong in a museum rather than on the battlefield. The Kremlin may take more than one generation, or even longer, to restore its tank fleet.
Meanwhile, many NATO members are eager to significantly expand their armored forces. The British Armed Forces are developing the Challenger 3 tank, while the Royal Netherlands Army announced plans in September 2024 to establish a new tank battalion equipped with 50 modern German Leopard 2A8 tanks. In December, it was also reported that the Lithuanian Army will create an armored unit consisting of 48 new Leopard 2A8 vehicles.
Additionally, Turkey and Greece, wary of each other despite being nominal allies, maintain large tank arsenals that are continuously expanding!
Considering Russia's losses, it is quite possible that the Polish military could claim the title of the leading tank power in Europe, as Warsaw has acquired American M1 Abrams and South Korean K2 Black Panther tanks.
Réservoirs Beaucoup
France, a NATO member, has recently decided to significantly enhance its tank arsenal. It is not ordering new vehicles but is extensively modernizing its existing tanks.
On January 28, the French Directorate General of Armaments (DGA) announced orders for the overhaul of a hundred Leclerc tanks. This follows previous orders for the modernization of 50 domestically produced vehicles in 2021 and 2022.
Rencontrez le Leclerc
Developed during the Cold War, the Leclerc was originally designed to counter the advance of Soviet tanks. It is equipped with a powerful 120-mm smoothbore gun CN120-26, modern targeting systems, and a SACM V8X Hyperbar diesel engine that provides exceptional speed and power.
Since the French Army adopted the FT light tank with a turret design during World War I, almost all tanks (with some exceptions for anti-tank self-propelled guns) have been built around a mobile gun platform. This certainly applies to the Leclerc, where armor protects the turret, and tracks move it. The turret provides the offensive power that defines the tank's purpose.
The Leclerc features the CN120-26, a 120-mm version of the F1 smoothbore gun. The CN120-26 is a 52-caliber gun with a thermal sleeve made of magnesium alloy. It has a higher muzzle velocity than the 44-caliber guns typically mounted on other MBTs.
What Modernization Will Bring
Like the American M1 Abrams, the Leclerc has undergone significant modernization over the decades since its introduction. The main updates to the 60-ton tank will focus on its sensors and onboard systems.
According to The Defense Post, "the upgraded Leclerc will be equipped with anti-radar jammers and new protection kits – both on the sides and underneath. Enhanced protection will make the tank less vulnerable to improvised explosive devices, mines, and missiles."
The latest version, the Leclerc XLR, will remain the backbone of the French Army until the next-generation main battle system (MGCS) – a Franco-German development intended to replace the Leopard 2 and Leclerc – is introduced, which is planned around 2040.
About the Author
Peter Suciu is a journalist from Michigan. Over his twenty-year journalism career, he has contributed to more than forty magazines, newspapers, and websites, publishing over 3,200 articles. He regularly writes about military technology, the history of firearms, cybersecurity, politics, and international affairs. Peter is also a contributor to Forbes and Clearance Jobs. You can follow him on Twitter: @PeterSuciu. Contact the author via email: [email protected].