Germany and France to Accelerate Next-Generation Tank Development
Germany and France intend to expedite their collaborative efforts in developing a next-generation combat tank within the framework of the MGCS (Main Ground Combat System) project by the end of this year. This announcement was made by the Defense Ministers of Germany, Boris Pistorius, and France, Sébastien Lecornu, during a meeting at the Évreux-Fauville airbase, as reported by Politico.
According to the German Minister, Paris and Berlin will soon clarify specific areas of cooperation and assign responsibilities to each country for their respective aspects of the project.
"The pace of this project's development has slowed down, but now we are striving to regain momentum. Next year, we plan to reach a critical point where it may be possible to sign a contract allowing other countries to join in the development," stated Pistorius.
While Paris and Berlin have differences on various issues, including air defense, trade, and nuclear energy, both ministers aimed to demonstrate unity in the development of the new tank.
Following this meeting, the Defense Ministers of France and Germany signed a Document of High-Level Common Operational Requirements (HLCORD), which is a crucial step in defining specific technical requirements for the future combat tank.
Although the initial timeline for project implementation, agreed upon in 2017, anticipated completion between 2035 and 2040, Lecornu announced a shift to 2040-2045 for completion.
The MGCS tank is intended to replace both the French Leclerc tanks and the German Leopard tanks. The French Minister added that this combat platform will also be equipped with laser technology and drones, and there is interest in the project from Italy and the Netherlands.
Previously, it was reported that Germany, in collaboration with Italy, Sweden, and Spain, plans to build a new combat tank under the leadership of Krauss-Maffei Wegmann (KMW) and Rheinmetall.
Additionally, Rheinmetall intends to establish a repair center for Leopard tanks and other military equipment in Ukraine, which has become relevant in light of Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine, prompting European countries to strengthen their defense capabilities.