Franco-German next-generation tank project moves forward
The French Leclerc MBT was first introduced into service in 1993 and along with German Leopards will be replaced under MGCS. (Photo: Nexter)
The Main Ground Combat System (MGCS) programme was initiated in June 2018 when France and Germany signed a Letter of Intent to develop a common next-generation main battle tank (MBT) platform.
The Franco-German MGCS project, an effort to build a new generation MBT, has taken a step forward with a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed outlining industrial responsibilities for each country.
MGCS has been proposed to replace French Leclerc and German Leopard MBTs. Both countries have insisted the system would be much more than a replacement with the platform including digital technologies for networked operations, as well as integrating unmanned and automated systems.
MGCS will consist of four types – cannon, missile and combat support platforms, as well as the deployment system.
German defence minister Boris Pistorius and his French counterpart Sébastien
Access this article and other Decisive Edge Newsletter news content with a free basic account
Create account
You will also get one free Premium News article each week
Already have an account? Log in
More from Decisive Edge Newsletter
-
![Greenlight for Romania’s F-35 purchase takes approvals for the decade to almost $35 billion]()
Greenlight for Romania’s F-35 purchase takes approvals for the decade to almost $35 billion
Romania is set to get the go-ahead for the purchase of F-35s after approval by the US State Department. Challenges before pen is put to paper remain, however, despite US$34.9 billion for 156 F-35s and equipment and systems having been approved to date.
-
![Australia announces programme developments on eve of land warfare conference]()
Australia announces programme developments on eve of land warfare conference
Australia’s Land Forces 2024 International Land Defence Exposition takes place in Melbourne this week with the government making announcements on land programmes and Supacat unveiling a new vehicle.
-
![US Air Force tests the use of autonomous flying capabilities in austere, contested scenarios]()
US Air Force tests the use of autonomous flying capabilities in austere, contested scenarios
Technologies to remotely control aeroplanes were demonstrated in logistics missions during the AGILE FLAG 24-3 exercise.
-
![US Army receives first RCV-Light platforms]()
US Army receives first RCV-Light platforms
The US Army will now start the testing phase of RCV bidders in the Aberdeen Proving Ground.
-
![US Air Force tests low-cost method to defeat surface vessels from the air]()
US Air Force tests low-cost method to defeat surface vessels from the air
The demonstration was conducted under the QUICKSINK programme in partnership with the US Navy.
-
![Eurofighter looks to fly integrated new systems in Typhoon next year]()
Eurofighter looks to fly integrated new systems in Typhoon next year
The first representative Eurofighter Typhoon flew in 1994 and entered operational service in 2003. Two decades later the company is working to ensure the platform’s relevance beyond the middle of the century.
