“Three Decades of Excellence: KNDS France’s Partnership with the Emirates Armed Forces and Local Industry”
For more than two decades, the Leclerc main battle tank has established itself as the premier tank model globally, delivering unparalleled mobility, defense, and firepower. Now at its midpoint, France and the United Arab Emirates have definitive strategies for prolonging its operational effectiveness and upgrading their respective fleets.
As the French Leclerc XLR (Leclerc-enhanced) commences service in the French Army, KNDS France is presenting the UAE with a highly aspirational national initiative. This endeavor lays the groundwork for a distinctive combat capability while paving the way for future Franco-Emirati industrial partnerships in land defense.
KNDS France has engaged extensively with local entities in the UAE to upgrade the Emirati main battle tank fleet situated in Abu Dhabi.
The progression and validation of new benchmarks will elevate this prestigious tank to the highest standards by incorporating the latest in electronic warfare, communication, protection, and offensive functionalities—without sacrificing its remarkable mobility and concealment. KNDS France is committed to executing this initiative under the guidance of the UAE Ministry of Defense for the advantage of the Emirati armed forces.
A BHE-KNDS France collaboration for robust industrial advancement
The aim is to perform the majority of industrial efforts for the initiative locally, establishing a solid industrial presence in the heavy armored vehicle domain in Abu Dhabi.
To realize this goal, KNDS France has teamed up with the local private enterprise BHE (Bin Hilal Enterprises), which will execute all maintenance and enhancement operations within a distinct Emirati industrial framework under the oversight of KNDS France. BHE will benefit from a substantial transfer of technology, leveraging over 40 years of experience from the former Nexter and GIAT groups, which have manufactured more than 3,000 heavy armored vehicles, including the esteemed AMX-30 and Leclerc. A specialized collaboration has also been initiated with EDGE Group companies, which will serve as long-term providers of technology and equipment.
A national initiative to bolster the local industry
The program will generate over 400 skilled positions in Abu Dhabi, emphasizing adherence to Emiratization mandates. KNDS Emirates Ltd., KNDS France’s subsidiary based in Abu Dhabi, will oversee a collaborative program management office, uniting the expertise and teams from all stakeholders involved in the initiative.
The LECLERC Life Extension and Modernization (LLEM) program will set a new standard for collaboration between European and Emirati industrial ecosystems within the defense sector.
