“Transforming the Battlefield: KNDS Launches Cutting-Edge Innovations for Future Ground Defense”
KNDS, a leading manufacturer of military ground solutions in Europe, continually refines its technological supremacy in main battle tank development. At Eurosatory 2024, the Franco-German consortium will unveil several essential innovations for land warfare in the years ahead.
Imagining the future
In addition to the latest progressive upgrades of the existing main battle tank variants – Leopard 2 A8 and Leclerc XLR – participants can look forward to a remarkable advancement in main battle tank technology with the Leopard 2 A-RC 3.0 and the Leclerc Evolution. The Leopard 2 A-RC 3.0 is equipped with an unmanned, remotely controlled turret. The main artillery is loaded through a modular, automated linear loader, accommodating calibers ranging from 120 to 140 mm. Its state-of-the-art weapon mount prevents weaponry from becoming submerged within the hull, resulting in a fundamentally unique use of space inside the chassis. The crew of three to four individuals can now be entirely enclosed within the chassis, situated in a highly fortified crew compartment. The ballistic protection is enhanced by a tested active protection system and a remotely controlled weapon station for tackling drone threats.
LEOPARD 2 A-RC 3.0 and the Leclerc Evolution: Two solutions addressing future battlefield challenges
The firepower of the Leopard 2 A-RC 3.0 is augmented by a guided missile system capable of engaging targets beyond line of sight while in motion. The remotely controlled 30 mm weapon system contributes to the threat-adapted armament portfolio, enabling engagements against close-range and aerial risks. The architecture of the Leopard 2 A-RC 3.0 significantly enhances crew safety through the integration of passive, reactive, and active defense measures, thereby extending its service life while greatly improving the mobility and assertiveness of the overall system.
KNDS considers the Leopard 2 A-RC 3.0 not only as a bridging solution until the arrival of the next-generation land combat system MGCS but also as a pivotal technological precursor to MGCS.
Despite its groundbreaking advancements, the Leopard 2 A-RC 3.0 remains entirely backward compatible. Any currently deployed Leopard 2 variant can be upgraded to the Leopard 2 A-RC 3.0 configuration. The modular construct facilitates solutions tailored to meet the unique demands of clients.
ASCALON©: a revolutionary and enhanced fire capability
With ASCALON©, KNDS has crafted a main gun for battle tanks that outclasses all similar barrel systems. It can fire compact and programmable munitions beyond line of sight with minimal wear. Thanks to its versatility, ASCALON© can be fitted with any barrel ranging from 120 to 140 mm. This groundbreaking concept not only presents substantial growth potential but also achieves performance levels unattainable by existing technologies. KNDS engineered ASCALON© with an open architecture to facilitate collaborative development of a combat gun platform under the MGCS program, setting the future benchmark for European tank cannons and munitions.
The Leclerc Evolution presented at Eurosatory is equipped with a crewed turret housing a 120 mm ASCALON© cannon, which can be easily upgraded to larger calibers up to 140 mm. Featuring a new layout with four crew members adapted for modern tactical scenarios, the Leclerc Evolution integrates a deputy commander station within the chassis to manage an extensive array of sensors and effectors.
Consistent with MGCS, KNDS will also unveil the EMBT featuring the ASCALON© Demonstrator Turret ADT 140, a remotely operated turret armed with a 140 mm ASCALON© cannon.
The KNDS display encompasses over 3600 square meters
KNDS currently operates approximately 800 weapon systems engaged in Ukrainian frontline operations or contracted for delivery to Ukraine. The company thus stands as one of the globe’s most significant industrial supporters of Ukraine in response to Russian aggression. The KNDS presentation at Eurosatory 2024 will also highlight combat-proven systems, including the CAESAR artillery system showcased for the first time in its Mk II variant, featuring a more powerful engine, enhanced protection, and a SCORPION-ready cabin. The exhibited KNDS offerings span 3,600 square meters of display space, including vehicles covering the entire spectrum of wheeled and tracked applications, medium caliber weaponry, ammunition, innovative robotics, combat drones from the LARINAE and COLIBRI programs, alongside a comprehensive range of supporting services.
