Franco-German company formed to develop and build new Main Ground Combat System
A new company has been formed to lead the development of MGCS. (Image: KNDS)
Germany’s KNDS Deutschland and Rheinmetall Land Systems and France’s KNDS France and Thales have signed an agreement to form the MGCS Project Company.
The deal sees the company equally owned by the four companies and the two countries sharing equally in the workshare. The new entity will be based in Cologne, Germany.
In a statement it was noted that “the project company will be responsible as prime contractor for the implementation of the next phase of the MGCS programme.
Related Articles
Franco-German next-generation tank project moves forward
Europe’s Defence Future: The Strategic Importance of the MGCS Project (Opinion)
KNDS continues tests of potential gun for future Main Ground Combat System
“In particular, it will consolidate the concept and the main technological pillars of the system.”
The latest step is an important one in the trans-European development of this class of platform which is less usual than that for aircraft, notably the Eurofighter Typhoon and Airbus A400M, and naval vessels.
It follows French and German governments signing of a Letter of Intent for the programme in April last year.
The MGCS programme will be divided into eight pillars: chassis and automated navigation; cannon, turret and ammunition; C4; simulation environment; sensor technology; protection and uncrewed vehicle defence; secondary armament; and support, logistics and infrastructure.
The design of MGCS has been undertaking the process of being finalised but it will likely be armed with a Nexter 140mm or Rheinmetall 130mm smoothbore gun fed by an automatic loader which will allow the crew of three to be seated in the protected hull.
Related Programmes in Defence Insight
Related Equipment in Defence Insight
More from Land Warfare
-
US and Europe continue moves to boost 155mm munitions production
The new US facility for 155mm artillery projectiles is a reflection of a worldwide trend which has also seen Rheinmetall and BAE Systems working to improve capability in the same area.
-
Dronebuster product line and production capability expanded
DZYNE Technologies, the maker of Dronebuster counter-uncrewed aerial system (C-UAS) devices, has announced plans to expand production and released details on a new version of the system. This follows the release of an all-in-one kit system earlier this year.
-
Ireland plans for radar capability in 2026
The Irish Government has previously outlined ambitious plans, the furthest reach of these being the possible purchase of fighter aircraft to provide a capability the country’s defence force currently doesn’t have. A more advanced procurement effort for a primary radar is being fast tracked.
-
US Army LTAMDS enters production phase
LTAMDS was approved in multiple flight trials and assessments.