France showcases Leclerc XLR main battle tank with modernized tech at Eurosatory 2024.

At the Eurosatory 2024 exhibition, KNDS showcased the Leclerc XLR, an upgraded variant of the French Leclerc main battle tank. The main changes include enhanced communication systems, upgraded protection and mobility features, improved crew safety measures, and modernized observation and targeting systems.
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In June 2023, the French Army received the first two Leclerc XLR main battle tanks, marking the beginning of a process to upgrade 200 of the 215 Leclerc tanks currently in service to the XLR standard by 2029. (Picture source: Army Recognition)

In June 2023, the French Army received the first two Leclerc XLR main battle tanks, marking the beginning of a process to upgrade 200 of the 215 Leclerc tanks currently in service to the XLR standard by 2029. This modernization effort aims to maintain the operational effectiveness of the Leclerc tank, which has been deployed in regions such as the Balkans, Lebanon, and Eastern Europe under NATO Response Force commitments.

With the XLR upgrade, communication systems have been modernized through the integration of SCORPION vetronics, including the Thales tactical radio system and SCORPION Information and Command System (SICS). This networked architecture enhances situational awareness and command/control capabilities. The tank's electronic systems are designed to allow for future upgrades, ensuring long-term connectivity with other SCORPION vehicles, such as the Griffon, Jaguar, and Serval, facilitating unified communications and battlefield management.

One of the significant changes in the Leclerc XLR is its enhanced protection. The tank now features modular armor on the turret and hull, providing improved defense against threats such as improvised explosive devices (IEDs) and rocket-propelled grenades (RPGs). Additional rear wire cage armor has been added to protect the engine compartment. The tank is equipped with an anti-RPG protection kit, the Galix close protection system, a mine and IED protection kit, counter-IED jammers (BARAGE), and comprehensive CBRN filtration and air systems.

The tank now features modular armor on the turret and hull, with additional rear wire cage armor added to protect the engine compartment, providing an improved defense against threats such as improvised explosive devices (IEDs) and rocket-propelled grenades (RPGs). (Picture source: Army Recognition)

Mobility features include an off-road speed of 72 km/h, a power-to-weight ratio of 24 hp/ton, hydropneumatic suspension, and a power unit rated at 1,500 hp. The tank also incorporates an embedded inertial navigation system and GPS integration.

For crew safety, the driver shell magazine, which previously stored 18 cannon shells, has been removed to reduce the risk of ammunition detonation near the crew compartment. This modification reduces the tank's ammunition capacity to 22 rounds, which are stored in the autoloader magazine located in the turret's rear niche. The Leclerc XLR is also equipped with an automatic built-in fire extinguishing or suppression system and a fully digital shooting control system. While retaining its main 120mm smoothbore gun, the Leclerc XLR now includes a remotely operated 7.62mm machine gun on the turret, manufactured by the Belgian company FN Herstal, for improved close-in defense.

The Leclerc XLR's observation and targeting systems have been upgraded. The tank now features the latest-generation PASEO panoramic sight for the commander, providing day and night stabilized observation capabilities. The gunner’s sight has been improved with advanced optronic sensors and new electronics, enhancing target detection, identification, and engagement over long distances.

Since the initiation of the modernization program in 2015, the French Army has aimed to upgrade 200 Leclerc tanks by 2029. This ongoing process began with the delivery of the first batch of 18 operational tanks in 2023. The upgrades are intended to ensure that the Leclerc XLR remains effective in addressing current and future operational requirements until at least 2035.