“Revolutionizing Combat: KNDS Unveils Innovative Technologies for the Next Era of Land Warfare”

KNDS, a premier producer of military ground systems in Europe, persistently enhances its technological dominance in main battle tank advancement. At Eurosatory 2024, the Franco-German consortium will showcase several vital innovations for terrestrial combat in the forthcoming years.

Envisioning the future

Apart from the latest evolutionary advancements of the current main battle tank models – Leopard 2 A8 and Leclerc XLR – attendees can anticipate a significant milestone in main battle tank evolution with the Leopard 2 A-RC 3.0 and the Leclerc Evolution. The Leopard 2 A-RC 3.0 features an unmanned, remotely operated turret. The primary weapon is loaded via a modular, automated linear loader, accommodating calibers from 120 to 140 mm. Its cutting-edge weapon mount prevents the armament from being submerged in the hull, resulting in a fundamentally novel utilization of space within the chassis. The crew of three to four members can now be entirely accommodated within the chassis, inside a highly secure crew compartment. The ballistic defense is complemented by a proven active protection system and a remote-operated weapon station to address drone threats.

LEOPARD 2 A-RC 3.0 and the Leclerc Evolution: Two solutions tackling future battlefield threats

The firepower of the Leopard 2 A-RC 3.0 is enhanced by a guided missile system capable of targeting beyond visual range while in motion. The remote-controlled 30 mm weapon system adds to the threat-adapted armament mix, allowing for engagements against near-field and aerial dangers. The design of the Leopard 2 A-RC 3.0 significantly boosts crew protection through the utilization of passive, reactive, and active defense strategies, thereby increasing its longevity while considerably improving the mobility and assertiveness of the entire system.

KNDS regards the Leopard 2 A-RC 3.0 not only as a transitional solution until the introduction of the next-gen land combat system MGCS but also as a crucial technological precursor to MGCS.

Despite its revolutionary innovations, the Leopard 2 A-RC 3.0 remains fully backwards compatible. Any existing Leopard 2 variant in service can be upgraded to the Leopard 2 A-RC 3.0 configuration. The modular design allows for solutions tailored to the specific requirements of clients.

ASCALON©: an enhanced and inventive fire capability

With ASCALON©, KNDS has formulated a main cannon for battle tanks that surpasses all similar barrel systems. It can discharge compact and programmable munitions beyond line of sight with minimal wear and tear. Thanks to its flexibility, ASCALON© can be equipped with any barrel ranging from 120 to 140 mm. This innovative concept not only presents significant growth potential but also achieves performance levels that current technologies cannot match. KNDS developed ASCALON© with an open architecture to lay the groundwork for collaborative development of a combat gun platform within the MGCS program, establishing the future standard for European tank guns and munitions.

The Leclerc Evolution showcased at Eurosatory is outfitted with a crewed turret housing a 120 mm ASCALON© cannon, which can be effortlessly upgraded to higher calibers up to 140 mm. Introducing a novel setup with four crew members tailored for modern tactical requirements, the Leclerc Evolution incorporates a deputy commander crew station fitted within the chassis to manage an extensive suite of sensors and effectors.

In line with MGCS, KNDS is also unveiling the EMBT featuring the ASCALON© Demonstrator Turret ADT 140, a remotely operated turret armed with a 140 mm ASCALON© cannon.

The KNDS exhibit spans over 3600 square meters

KNDS currently has approximately 800 weapon systems deployed in Ukrainian frontline operations or contracted for delivery to Ukraine. The company thus stands as one of the globe’s most significant industrial backers of Ukraine in the face of Russian aggression. The KNDS showcase at Eurosatory 2024 will also feature combat-tested systems, including the CAESAR artillery system presented for the first time in its Mk II variant, boasting a more robust engine, enhanced protection, and a SCORPION-ready cabin. The displayed KNDS range across 3,600 square meters of exhibit space also includes vehicles covering the entire spectrum of wheel and tracked applications, medium caliber weapons systems, ammunition, innovative robotics, combat drones from the LARINAE and COLIBRI programs, alongside a comprehensive array of associated services.