France details Leclerc tank upgrade
The Leclerc MBT was first introduced into service in 1993, the MLU will extend its service life until 2040 (Nexter)
As European armies embark on upgrades to their heavy armoured forces, France finally initiates its Leclerc tank upgrade programme that has been planned for the past six years.
The French Army is set to receive 200 upgraded Leclerc Main Battle Tanks (MBTs) to the XLR standard under a contract with Nexter.
According to the DGA procurement agency, the contract for an MLU was signed on 1 June 2021 that also included the modernisation of 18 Leclerc Dépanneurs Char Lourd (DCL) armoured recovery vehicles.
A previous MLU contract, worth €330 million ($339.13 million), was signed with Nexter in March 2015 for the development, qualification and industrial preparation for the refurbishment of the MBTs.
This latest MLU deal allows Nexter to proceed with the upgrade of the first batch of 50 tanks,
Our news & analysis is now part of Defence Insight®
A Basic-level or higher Defence Insight subscription is now required to view this content.
More from Land Warfare
-
![Europe commits to long-range fires but countries move in different directions]()
Europe commits to long-range fires but countries move in different directions
Sweden, Croatia and France are pursuing different rocket artillery solutions as European armies seek greater reach, survivability and industrial resilience.
-
![Polaris expands Arctic mobility offering as US military orders grow]()
Polaris expands Arctic mobility offering as US military orders grow
The Military 850 Voyageur 155 Crossover has secured orders from the US Army, Air Force and Marine Corps, addressing demand for agile Arctic mobility with passenger, cargo and towing capacity.
-
![Northrop Grumman pushing ahead with smaller Integrated Battle Command System]()
Northrop Grumman pushing ahead with smaller Integrated Battle Command System
Northrop Grumman’s Integrated Battle Command System is in service with Polish forces and is being introduced to US forces, with further development underway on the original platform as well as a smaller, more mobile system.
-
![UK’s ground-based air defence effort remains in assessment phase after third industry day]()
UK’s ground-based air defence effort remains in assessment phase after third industry day
The UK’s plan to introduce a new air defence capability into the British Army will cover short and medium-range defence as well as counter-uncrewed aerial system systems. Timelines are not yet laid out but industry is making plans.
