France aims to support the evolution of the Leclerc with the new ASCALON gun while awaiting the MGCS
The French Ministry of Defence is not considering any interim solution to replace the Leclerc tank while awaiting the entry into service of the Main Ground Combat System (MGCS), a development project jointly undertaken by France and Germany.
The Leclerc tank is the first 3rd-generation combat tank, embodying the core of an innovative weapon system. It is the French Army's primary instrument of coercion and decision-making. The Leclerc has advanced firepower, mobility, and protection capabilities. Additionally, its command and information capabilities, enabled by on-board computers and data transmission systems, enhance operational control. Notably, it is the only tank capable of firing on a fixed target at a range of up to 4,000 meters while in motion. Since its deployment, the Leclerc has integrated numerous features that other main battle tanks are only now beginning to adopt. As part of the SCORPION program, the Leclerc will undergo modernization to further enhance its operational capacity and ensure its future readiness. According to the French 2024–2030 Military Planning Law, plans are in place to bring 200 Leclerc tanks up to the XLR standard by 2035, with 160 of these upgrades to be completed before 2030.
"The coexistence of Leclerc tanks and refurbished Leclerc tanks will continue beyond 2030, with the aim of achieving uniformity within the units. Based on the information provided to the rapporteur, this renovation effort will represent a cost of 202 million euros for the 2024–2025 period, totaling an estimated 882 million euros for the 2024–2030 Military Planning Law period. Although re-engining was considered, the financial impact of this option was too high for the renovation budget. As an alternative, the armed forces and the DGA decided on a less expensive solution, which will still maintain the Leclerc tank’s operational standards until its successor arrives. Phasing the work over time will also reduce the number of immobilized tanks. Non-renovated tanks will continue to meet operational needs," stated Isabelle Santiago, Deputy for Val-de-Marne and member of the Defence Committee, in her budgetary review on the funds allocated to the French Army in 2025.
However, the question remains as to whether, and when, this successor will arrive. The MGCS project faces ongoing delays due to persistent disagreements among the companies involved, despite recent progress. In April, a memorandum of understanding on its industrial architecture was signed to facilitate cooperation, outlining eight pillars to ensure an equitable division of tasks between France and Germany. Nevertheless, implementation is not advancing as quickly as anticipated, and delays have affected the formation of a project company by the four main industrial groups—KNDS France, KNDS Deutschland, Rheinmetall, and Thales. As a result, initial contracts for phase 1A cannot be issued at the start of 2025 as planned.
Further complicating matters, Germany’s political situation introduces additional uncertainty. With the governing coalition’s collapse, early parliamentary elections could occur soon, and the Bundestag has not yet ratified the April agreement. If the proposed industrial framework is upheld, France and Germany will share responsibility for Pillar 2, which focuses on the “fire function.” The selection of the primary armament for the MGCS platform will follow a comparative assessment of the 140mm ASCALON, developed by KNDS France, and the 130mm gun from Rheinmetall. This competitive approach was instrumental in overcoming prior program roadblocks.
MP Cormier-Bouligeon, rapporteur for Programme 146 (Equipping the Forces – Deterrence), has voiced concerns regarding this competition, especially given that Rheinmetall has advanced with its KF-51 Panther tank, equipped with the 130mm gun. He cautions that the joint responsibility between KNDS France and Rheinmetall might not result in genuine collaboration on the "fire function" system, but rather in competition between the two companies. In the Ministry of Defence’s April 2024 statement, it was noted that "initially, various national gun systems will be developed, with one system selected following comparative trials."
Italy is also adopting this approach as part of Rheinmetall's cooperation with Leonardo. "The recent partnership between Rheinmetall and Leonardo—following unsuccessful talks between KNDS and Leonardo—underscores Rheinmetall’s intention to develop the KF-51 tank as a transitional system, potentially setting standards for the MGCS program," emphasized MP Cormier-Bouligeon.
He further commented that the "beauty contest" between Rheinmetall and KNDS France over the MGCS fire function selection necessitates a strong national position for the French land industry. To remain competitive in the MGCS program, he believes that France must support projects to upgrade the Leclerc tanks domestically, such as the ASCALON gun developed by KNDS France, which will help preserve French expertise. This approach aligns with the Military Planning Law, which states that "while cooperation programs are a priority for France, they must not preclude independent feasibility studies conducted and funded by France."
MP Santiago supports this position, adding that the delayed Leclerc refit, as indicated in the Military Planning Law, raises concerns about France’s industrial capabilities, particularly as other countries like South Korea and Germany advance their programs. "According to industry representatives, the tank's 'fire' capability drives the entire artillery sector. Maintaining this capability is crucial to our armed forces, especially given the ongoing renewal of armored divisions across Europe," she stated in her report.
At the recent EuroSatory air-land defense expo, KNDS France unveiled the Leclerc Evolution—a variant equipped with a 120mm ASCALON turret that can be adapted to calibers up to 140mm. The ASCALON (Autoloaded and SCALable Outperforming guN) employs telescoped ammunition within a self-loading turret. KNDS France noted that its system has reached new milestones, with successful trials showing that the 120mm or 140mm barrels could be swapped on the same carriage in under an hour.
