KNDS presents Leclerc tank with 7.62mm RWCS for urban combat.

On September 4, 2023, KNDS showcased, via its Twitter account, a Leclerc tank equipped with a 7.62mm remotely controlled station. This 57-ton main battle tank is armed with a primary 120mm cannon and a 12.7mm coaxial machine gun. It has been operational since 1992 with the French Army and since 1995 with the armed forces of the United Arab Emirates.
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Upgraded Leclerc XLR Main Battle Tank displayed at Eurosatory 2022 (Picture source: Twitter account of Nexter_KNDS )

The Leclerc has undergone several phases of modernization over the years. In June 2006, Nexter unveiled a version optimized for urban operations, equipped with the AZUR kit. This kit includes additional protections in the form of composite material side skirts, bar armor on the rear of the hull and turret to protect against rocket-propelled grenades (RPGs), as well as extra engine protection against Molotov cocktails.

The renovated Leclerc is equipped with a 120mm cannon, a 12.7mm coaxial machine gun, and a remote weapon station armed with a 7.62mm machine gun. In terms of protection, the renovated Leclerc is built with welded steel and is equipped with additional armor, passive armor, and wire cage armor. This combination offers robust protection against a variety of threats, including small arms fire, artillery shells, and improvised explosive devices (IEDs).

Weighing 57,000 kg, the renovated Leclerc is capable of reaching speeds of 72 km/h on the road and 50 km/h off-road. The renovated Leclerc is also equipped with a range of accessories, including a Contact tactical radio system, an NBC protection system, night vision equipment, laser warning systems coupled to Galix, a Barage anti-IED jammer, a Scorpion diagnostic test device, and new man-machine interfaces for the commander and gunner. The renovated Leclerc is designed for a crew of three people.

KNDS emphasized that the renovated Leclerc enhances its combat capabilities with the addition of a 7.62mm remote turret for urban combat. This development is in line with global trends in battle tanks, where versatility and the ability to operate in urban environments are becoming increasingly crucial. The tweet also mentioned the development of a new fire control system with the ability to fire programmable effects or trigger munitions.

The Leclerc is expected to remain in service until the arrival of the future Franco-German land combat system, the Main Ground Combat System (MGCS), by 2040. However, the project seems increasingly compromised due to a lack of agreement among the various parties involved. France may have to develop its own battle tank instead.