Decoding MGCS Franco-German Tank of the Future Finally Realized.

On Friday, April 26, 2024, French Minister of the Armed Forces, Sébastien Lecornu, signed an agreement with his German counterpart, Boris Pistorius, on the first phase of the future Main Ground Combat System (MGCS) tank. In front of the cameras, they initiated a memorandum of understanding setting in stone the 50-50 division of work between manufacturers in the two countries
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The memorandum of understanding signed in Paris specifies that France and Germany will each contribute 50% of the costs of the cooperation, reflecting a balanced partnership and ensuring a fair distribution of industrial labor between the two countries (Picture source: KNDS )

The discussions held in Paris have culminated in the signing of an agreement for the initial phase, known as "1A", of the MGCS (Main Ground Combat System) program, symbolizing the political commitment of both nations to progress together. The MGCS program aims to replace current main battle tanks such as the French Leclerc and the German Leopard 2 with a system that incorporates advanced and innovative technologies. This new ground combat system, which will include features like networked operations management and unmanned, automated capabilities, is designed to excel in high-intensity combat scenarios through its technological innovations.

The memorandum of understanding signed in Paris specifies that France and Germany will each contribute 50% of the costs of the cooperation, reflecting a balanced partnership and ensuring a fair distribution of industrial labor between the two countries. In a structure similar to the FCAS (Future Combat Air System) air program, France will take a leading role in FCAS, while Germany will lead the development of MGCS.

The partnership, which began with formal discussions in 2012 and was officially sealed in 2017, represents a significant step in consolidating European defense efforts. It leverages the strengths of multiple stakeholders, including KNDS, a joint venture between Germany’s Krauss-Maffei Wegmann and France’s Nexter Systems. This collaboration aims not only to enhance military capabilities but also to foster integration within the broader European defense industry.

The MGCS is poised to redefine future armored warfare through the integration of artificial intelligence (AI) and advanced connectivity technologies. Under the direction of Martial, the capability architect from the French Directorate General of Armaments (DGA), the MGCS uses AI to enhance intelligence gathering, planning, command, and fire coordination. This AI integration ensures rapid decision-making at various command levels while maintaining human oversight at the core of its operations. The system's advanced connectivity enables real-time sharing of tactical information through an integrated combat cloud, ensuring seamless coordination among different vehicle modules. This supports semi-automatic actions that enhance operational effectiveness against adversaries.
According to Delphine, who is responsible for the development of future land combat systems at the DGA, the MGCS evolves from the collaborative, information-driven approach of the Scorpion system and is designed to adapt to modern threats such as drones, autonomous weapons, and cyberattacks.

In terms of armament, the MGCS will be able to strike targets up to 8,000 meters away, significantly extending the range compared to the current Leclerc tank. Its modules enhance assault capabilities by acting in concert to amplify offensive strength and complexity, thereby posing multiple challenges and surprises for the enemy. The system also benefits from enhanced observation capabilities up to 10,000 meters, improving target detection and anticipation.

The design of the MGCS includes a comprehensive protection suite with active camouflage, reinforced armor, countermeasures, and neutralization capabilities to defend against both aerial and ground threats. The strategic distribution of armament across various platforms reduces mass while increasing mobility and protection for the crew.

These technological advances play a crucial role in Project Titan, which will succeed the Scorpion initiative starting in 2040. Project Titan aims to revolutionize the decisive capabilities of the army by pushing the limits of collaborative air-land combat, incorporating joint and allied operational levels.

A project company will be established to oversee the development of MGCS, involving companies such as KNDS Deutschland, KNDS France, Rheinmetall Landsysteme, and Thales SIX. This company will jointly lead the Franco-German efforts and manage the four main components of the system: the cannon platform, missile platform, combat support platform, and operational system.

The program is divided into eight pillars, ranging from chassis development with automated navigation to drone defense, including the creation of a simulation environment and the setup of an advanced communication and command system. Each pillar will be led by either France, Germany, or jointly, depending on their specific areas of expertise.

Pillar 1 - MGCS platform with chassis and automated navigation under German leadership.

Pillar 2 - Cannons, turrets, and ammunition under Franco-German leadership. Initially, various national cannon systems will be developed, and one system will be selected after comparative testing.

Pillar 3 - Secondary armament such as guided missiles under French command.

Pillar 4 - Communication, command, and engagement system as the "digital nervous system" under Franco-German leadership.

Pillar 5 - Simulation environment under Franco-German leadership.

Pillar 6 - Sensor systems under French leadership.

Pillar 7 - Drone defense and protection under German leadership.

Pillar 8 - Support, logistics, and infrastructure under Franco-German leadership.

Before the final contract signing scheduled for next year, the project must still receive approval from the budget committee of the German Bundestag. Although lengthy and complex, this process has already benefited from several months of successful negotiations, strengthening the trust and cooperation between the two countries.

Following the agreement signing, ministers Pistorius and Lecornu expressed their gratitude towards the teams involved for their hard work, highlighting the importance of this Franco-German cooperation not only for the defense of both nations but also for the future of European security.

Defense News April 2024