“Celebrating 30 Years of Partnership: How KNDS France and the Emirates Armed Forces Transformed Local Industry”
For over twenty years, the Leclerc primary combat tank has positioned itself as the leading tank model worldwide, offering unmatched mobility, protection, and firepower. Currently at its midpoint, France and the United Arab Emirates are implementing definitive plans for enhancing its operational longevity and modernizing their respective fleets.
As the French Leclerc XLR (Leclerc-evolved) begins its service in the French Army, KNDS France is presenting the UAE with an ambitious national initiative. This project lays the foundation for a unique combat capability while facilitating future Franco-Emirati industrial collaborations in land defense.
KNDS France has engaged thoroughly with local organizations in the UAE to upgrade the Emirati main battle tank fleet located in Abu Dhabi.
The development and validation of new standards will elevate this esteemed tank to the highest levels by integrating the latest advancements in electronic warfare, communication, protection, and offensive capabilities—without compromising its extraordinary mobility and stealth. KNDS France is dedicated to implementing this program under the direction of the UAE Ministry of Defense for the benefit of the Emirati armed forces.
A BHE-KNDS France partnership for substantial industrial growth
The objective is to execute most of the industrial endeavors for the project locally, establishing a robust industrial footprint in the heavy armored vehicle sector in Abu Dhabi.
To achieve this ambition, KNDS France has joined forces with the local private enterprise BHE (Bin Hilal Enterprises), which will undertake all maintenance and enhancement activities within a unique Emirati industrial framework under the supervision of KNDS France. BHE will benefit from a significant technology transfer, leveraging over four decades of knowledge from the previous Nexter and GIAT groups, which have produced more than 3,000 heavy armored vehicles, including the renowned AMX-30 and Leclerc. A specialized partnership has also been formed with EDGE Group companies, which will act as long-term suppliers of technology and equipment.
A national initiative to strengthen the local industry
The program will create over 400 skilled jobs in Abu Dhabi, emphasizing compliance with Emiratization requirements. KNDS Emirates Ltd., the subsidiary of KNDS France based in Abu Dhabi, will manage a collaborative program management office, merging the expertise and teams from all parties involved in the initiative.
The LECLERC Life Extension and Modernization (LLEM) program will establish a new benchmark for collaboration between European and Emirati industrial ecosystems within the defense industry.
