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100 More Leclerc XLR Tanks Ordered to Strengthen French Combat Power.
The French Ministry of Armed Forces' Directorate General of Armament (DGA) announced on December 24, 2024, the order for the renovation of 100 additional Leclerc XLR tanks, bringing the total number of upgraded tanks to 200. This new order follows previous orders made in 2021 and 2022, each involving 50 units. Additionally, the 34th renovated Leclerc XLR tank was delivered to the French Army on December 10, 2024, including 21 units for the year 2024.
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The Leclerc XLR is a third-generation main battle tank developed in France, designed to offer high mobility, significant firepower, and enhanced protection on the battlefield. (Picture source: French MoD)
The renovation work is being carried out at the KNDS France facility in Roanne, located in the Loire region. These upgrades are intended to extend the service life of the Leclerc tank until the introduction of the future Main Ground Combat System (MGCS). Under the 2024-2030 Military Programming Law (LPM), the French Army plans to renovate 160 Leclerc tanks by the end of 2030, with another 40 units scheduled for renovation by 2035.
The Leclerc XLR tanks will be equipped with advanced systems to improve their operational capabilities. Among these improvements is the integration of SCORPION program technologies, which enable real-time exchange of tactical data with other vehicles in the SCORPION program, such as the Griffon, Jaguar, and Serval. The tanks will be equipped with the latest generation Combat Information System (SICS), software-defined CONTACT radios, and GPS systems, making them an integral part of a modern, interconnected combat network.
The Leclerc XLR is a third-generation main battle tank developed in France, designed to offer high mobility, significant firepower, and enhanced protection on the battlefield. It is equipped with a 120mm main gun, a 12.7mm coaxial machine gun, and a remote-controlled weapon station armed with a 7.62mm machine gun. This armament system allows the Leclerc XLR to adapt to various types of threats on the battlefield, whether they involve armored vehicles, light targets, or infantry.
In terms of protection, the tank features a welded steel construction, complemented by additional armor, passive armor, and wire cage armor. These elements provide increased resistance to modern threats, including improvised explosive devices (IEDs) and other projectiles. Security is further enhanced by the presence of detection systems, such as a laser warning system and the BARAGE jammer, which protects the tank against electromagnetic threats and mine attacks.
The Leclerc XLR stands out for its mobility, capable of reaching speeds of 72 km/h on roads and 50 km/h off-road, allowing it to move quickly across the terrain. It can travel up to 615 km on a full tank of fuel, making it a long-range vehicle, ideal for extended operations. The tank is also equipped with advanced navigation systems, such as an inertial navigation system coupled with GPS, ensuring precise positioning at all times.
Additionally, the Leclerc XLR is equipped with numerous features designed to enhance its battlefield effectiveness. It is fitted with the CONTACT tactical radio system, NBC (nuclear, biological, chemical) protection gear, and night vision devices for operations in low-light conditions. The SCORPION system, to which it is integrated, allows real-time interconnection with other armored vehicles in the SCORPION program, such as the Griffon, Jaguar, and Serval, optimizing the sharing of tactical information. These features, combined with its three-person crew, make it capable of handling a wide range of tactical situations.
Finally, the Leclerc XLR has a length of 6.88 meters, a height of 2.53 meters at the turret, and a weight of 57,000 kg, placing it among the heaviest and most powerful tanks in its class. These dimensions and weight, combined with its technical characteristics, provide the tank with great stability and optimal protection on the battlefield.
Furthermore, the tanks will benefit from enhanced protection against improvised explosive devices (IEDs), mines, and rockets. These improvements are made possible by the BARAGE jammer and new protection kits, including underbelly and side armor. The fire control system has also been improved, enabling the Leclerc XLR to fire new types of ammunition. A new remote-controlled turret, developed under the Franco-Belgian CaMo partnership, will also be integrated.
Starting in 2028, the renovated Leclerc XLR tanks will also benefit from new digital sights, further improving their operational effectiveness. The Leclerc tank, which entered service in 1993, is a third-generation combat vehicle weighing 60 tons, with a crew of three operators: the tank commander, gunner, and driver. It is equipped with a 120mm smoothbore gun and can engage both stationary and moving targets at ranges up to 4,000 meters while in motion.
The SCORPION program, which includes these Leclerc renovations, aims to modernize the French Army's combat capabilities with modern, interconnected armored vehicles capable of conducting collaborative combat through the real-time exchange of data. This modernization will ensure that the Leclerc tank remains a cornerstone of France's military capabilities for many years to come.