Nexter Secures Trust from the French Military with Revamped and Eco-Friendly Leclerc Tanks
Aligned with the strategy for the sustainability and enhancement of the Leclerc tank, the French Ministry of Defence has reaffirmed its trust in Nexter by renewing the support agreement, which now encompasses addressing significant obsolescence and the modernization of the initial 50 tanks. The initiation of these actions arrives at a critical moment, as numerous nations, including France, are reinforcing the pivotal importance of heavy tanks as essential instruments of tactical dominance on land, particularly in light of the anticipated resurgence of high-intensity warfare.
A decade-long support agreement
The support agreement for the Leclerc tank (MSS 2) commenced on April 1st, 2021. Building upon the initial lump-sum post-production service support contract (SSPP), MSS 2 maintains the same range of services, but with augmented specifications. In partnership with the French Defence Procurement Agency (Direction Générale de l’Armement), Nexter has been entrusted with overseeing the tank’s configuration throughout its lifespan and managing obsolescence – a process referred to as technical oversight. Nexter is also tasked with providing spare components to the SIMMT (Structure intégrée de maintenance et de maintien en condition opérationnelle des matériels terrestres), which is charged with supporting the forces. Consistent support for vehicles stationed in the Champagne and Provence training centers is also a hallmark of this reliable collaboration between Nexter and the French Army. Furthermore, Nexter’s teams offer technical support and can respond promptly within the regiments. Lastly, Nexter oversees the assembly of parts batches for external interventions, alongside the tools required for tank maintenance.
The long-term sustainability of the Leclerc includes addressing substantial obsolescence that may impact its readiness, specifically concerning the V8X engine and the turbo-machine, which are slated for a remedial initiative. The visual system will undergo an upgrade to a new iteration in the forthcoming years.
Integration into the SCORPION Network
The enhancement of the Leclerc, also referred to as the XLR program, marks a new phase for the tank, which will receive advanced capabilities and will connect to the SCORPION network along with the GRIFFON, JAGUAR, and SERVAL armored vehicles. The Leclerc tank will be incorporated into the SCORPION joint battle group (JBG) through shared vetronics systems (provided by Thales). With the SCORPION information and communication system (SICS) and the new CONTACT radio, the Leclerc tank will be seamlessly integrated into the cooperative combat environment. Thanks to Nexter’s established proficiency in this area, the tank will receive enhanced armor for improved adaptation to the operational requirements of the forces: additional floor armor against improvised explosive devices and side plates against RPG-type threats will be integrated. Moreover, the weaponry will be upgraded with the installation of a remotely operated T2B turret equipped with a 7.62 mm caliber from Belgian collaborator FN Herstal.
The Heavy Tank: The Core Focus of the Nexter Group
By granting these agreements, the DGA and the French Army acknowledge Nexter’s unparalleled expertise in the realm of heavy tanks. Leveraging a wealth of experience in 120mm complementary ammunition, Nexter is actively advancing the modernization of the arrow ammunition with the recent introduction of the 120 SHARD anti-tank round.
As a key participant in the MGCS program, Nexter is also envisioning the future of the main armament by proposing the ASCALON gun and ammunition design for the next-generation tank. Crafted with an open architecture to serve as a foundation for collaborative development within the Franco-German MGCS initiative, ASCALON sets the groundwork for the future standard of European tank guns and ammunition.
Nicolas Chamussy, CEO of Nexter and member of the KNDS executive committee: “Nexter takes pride in contributing to the upgrading and upkeep of its iconic product. The announcement of these programs reflects the caliber of our services and our expertise within the heavy tank sector. Our objective remains steadfast: we will persist as the reliable partner of the French Ministry of the Armed Forces, alongside the DGA, SIMMT, and the French Army.”
