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France's Uncertainty Amid Challenges for Future Main Ground Combat System.
On December 4, 2024, during a parliamentary hearing on wartime economy, Emmanuel Chiva, France's General Delegate for Armament (DGA), addressed questions about the future of the Main Ground Combat System (MGCS). This joint Franco-German initiative represents an ambitious but complex program designed to replace the French Leclerc and German Leopard 2 tanks. However, it continues to face persistent uncertainties, including industrial disagreements and distant timelines.
Leclerc Evolution tank unveiled at Eurosatory 2024 in Paris, featuring the cutting-edge ASCALON turret capable of retrofitting from 120mm to 140mm, showcasing next-generation firepower and adaptability. (Picture source: Army Recognition)
Chiva highlighted that the MGCS is not merely about developing a new heavy tank. It aims to create an interconnected family of systems, including tanks, drones, and robots, integrated into a "combat cloud." Despite its ambitious vision, the project, expected to become operational around 2040, presents significant challenges, especially concerning the maintenance of current operational capabilities until its deployment.
The MGCS was launched in 2017 to deliver a next-generation tank, with France's Nexter (part of KNDS) and Thales working alongside Germany's Krauss-Maffei Wegmann (also in KNDS) and Rheinmetall. The project received renewed momentum in April 2024 through an agreement to organize it around eight technological pillars divided equally between the two nations.
Nevertheless, the program has encountered multiple obstacles, including disagreements over technology choices and responsibility sharing, causing notable delays. These tensions raise questions about the viability of Franco-German defense cooperation. Additionally, competing developments, such as Rheinmetall’s partnership with Italy’s Leonardo to produce the Panther KF51 tank, add further pressure, challenging MGCS’s relevance within Europe’s defense landscape.
To address these delays, Chiva confirmed that efforts are underway to extend the operational lifespan of the Leclerc tank to 2040. He also mentioned a potential "intermediate solution," already proposed by KNDS France, involving an upgraded Leclerc model equipped with advancements like the ASCALON cannon.
The DGA also raised the possibility of France and Germany developing separate heavy tanks within a shared architecture. This approach could meet each nation’s specific needs while maintaining collaborative elements. However, such an initiative would require national funding, which could reflect a degree of strategic independence, particularly for France.
Despite the challenges, Chiva expressed support for French innovation, citing ASCALON as a major technological achievement. He emphasized that the French Military Programming Law was designed to avoid capability gaps, although restarting production lines remains a complex issue. While no details were provided on a potential "Plan B," he stressed the importance of fostering innovation and overcoming logistical hurdles.
Both the MGCS and the Future Combat Air System (SCAF) embody Franco-German ambitions to strengthen Europe’s strategic autonomy in defense. These programs aim to integrate advanced technologies, such as artificial intelligence and interconnected systems, into next-generation combat platforms. However, since their inception in 2017, both have faced industrial and political challenges, delaying progress and raising concerns over their future.
These difficulties highlight broader issues in building an effective European defense framework. Disputes over MGCS and SCAF underline the complexity of multinational cooperation in defense, where national interests can conflict with collective goals. Achieving meaningful strategic autonomy for Europe will require aligning member states' priorities, fostering industrial cohesion, and overcoming existing barriers. Success in projects like MGCS and SCAF is crucial for Europe's defense aspirations and its role on the global stage.