Defense ministers of France and Germany met in Paris this Friday to approve the agreement on a new joint tank project called the Main Ground Combat System (MGCS). This official agreement kicks off the development of the first phase of the armored vehicle dubbed 'tank of the future', a project worth billions of euros. The new battle tank will replace Germany's Leopard 2 tank and France's Leclerc tank.
Technological Developments in the 'Tank of the Future'
However, both ministers insisted that the project should not be seen as a new model of the Leopard 2 tank, one of the most advanced combat vehicles in the world. “The point is not to make a Leopard 3 or 4, but to design something brand new,” emphasized German defense minister Boris Pistorius. Pistorius said the tank will incorporate artificial intelligence and have certain automated systems that “will not require human pilots.”
of contracts Zammoment Schedule and Distribution
Ministers announced that the distribution of contracts to manufacturers is expected to be completed by the end of the year; “an ambitious target,” they told reporters. The new generation tank is expected to be completed by 2040.
Joint Development Structure
MGCS is the second major arms industry project between two European powers. This coincides with another major Franco-German plan to build next-generation fighter jet FCAS, as well as drone systems. Germany is expected to lead the development of MGCS, while France is taking the lead in the development of FCAS. Both countries will equally share the price tag of the new tank.
Challenges and Safeguards
French defense minister Sébastien Lecornu singled out KNDS, Rheinmetall and Thales as companies likely to help build the MGCS. However, the project, which was first discussed in 2017, suffered from disagreements and political tensions between both countries on issues such as energy transition. Boris Pistorius reassured the chamber, arguing that the joint agreement was “a sign of our mutual trust, despite the current geopolitical context.”