French main battle tanks will undergo a deep modernization. Yesterday, June 26, the portal janes.com He reported that the French Defense Procurement Agency (DGA) has signed a contract with Nexter for the repair and modernization of 200 Leclerc combat vehicles and 17 Leclerc DCL evacuation vehicles.
The French Defense Ministry announced the renewal of its tank fleet as part of the large-scale Scorpion program, launched back in 2014. Following the purchases of Griffon, Jaguar and VBMR-L vehicles, the DGA has now signed a contract for the repair and modernization of 200 Leclerc tanks, which should be completed by 2028.
Prototype of the Leclerc XLR tank
Image source: armyrecognition.com
As previously announced, the tanks will be upgraded to the Leclerc XLR version. The tanks will receive updated electronics, which will allow them to fully operate on the battlefield with new combat vehicles. In addition, the French Leclerc will receive a modular hinged reservation, as well as protective grilles of the engine compartment and the rear side of the tower. In addition, the range of ammunition will expand.
The AMX-56 Leclerc is the main battle tank of the French army, developed by the GIAT concern (now Nexter) in the 80s. Production of the tank started in 1990, and two years later it was adopted. Until 2010, 876 units were produced, almost half of which were sold in the UAE.