French Defense Minister wants to keep E-MBT European Main Battle Tank option alive.

In Opex360, Laurent Lagneau reports concerns about the viability of the Future Combat Air System (FCAS) and Main Ground Combat System (MGCS) programs that remain at the forefront. These ambitious projects, initiated in 2017, have encountered significant challenges since their inception and appear to confront further obstacles in the years ahead.
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The European Main Battle Tank E-MBT was unveiled in June 2022 during the International Defense Exhibition Eurosatory (Picture source: Army Recognition)

One key aspect of this uncertainty was highlighted during a hearing at the National Assembly, where Emmanuel Chiva, the General Delegate for Armaments, discussed the fate of the "tracked armored segment" within the MGCS and the potential contribution of the E-MBT tank, jointly developed by Krauss-Maffei Wegmann and Nexter under their KNDS joint venture.

Chiva's assertion suggests a parallel with the FCAS program. He emphasized that the ongoing work in the MGCS must serve as a foundation for the future heavy tank and tracked armored vehicle. In essence, the technological advancements made through the MGCS could be pivotal for the continuity of combat aviation, much like the FCAS, which serves as a technological building block.

As the MGCS program marches toward its anticipated completion between 2040 and 2045, the French Army faces a pressing issue with its aging Leclerc tanks. These tanks, by the proposed deadline, will be approaching 50 years in service, necessitating an interim solution. This interim capacity is contemplated to be based on the KNDS E-MBT, potentially bridging the gap until the MGCS becomes operational.

Minister of the Armed Forces, Sébastien Lecornu, weighed in on the MGCS program, acknowledging the concerns voiced by Nexter. He emphasized the necessity of not being myopic in assessing the future of armored warfare. Lecornu stressed that traditional firepower alone would be insufficient between 2040 and 2070, and the focus must extend beyond corporate interests. The overarching goal is to ensure that the French Army possesses effective tanks in the year 2050 and beyond.

The FCAS and MGCS programs, while ambitious and forward-looking, confront substantial challenges that raise doubts about their successful fruition. The testimony of Emmanuel Chiva and the concerns raised by various stakeholders highlight the complexity of these defense initiatives. The fate of the MGCS is intrinsically linked with the future of heavy tanks and tracked armored vehicles, and the French Army must address its aging Leclerc tanks with interim solutions like the E-MBT. The future of military technology and warfare continues to evolve, and as Minister Lecornu emphasized, adaptability and effectiveness must be paramount considerations in safeguarding national defense interests.

Defense News October 2023