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Future of Main Battle Tanks: Episode 5 at Eurosatory - KNDS Unveils New Generation EMBT-ADT 140mm Cannon.
This is the fifth episode study of main battle tanks at Eurosatory 2024: the French-German defense conglomerate KNDS has taken center stage with the unveiling of their groundbreaking fifth-generation main battle tank (MBT), the EMBT-ADT 140. This marks the debut of the first tank equipped with the new ASCALON 140 mm cannon, a high-tech weapon system designed to deliver unparalleled firepower and precision. This announcement follows the introduction of KNDS Leclerc Evolution with its formidable 120 mm cannon, marking another milestone in the evolving landscape of MBTs.
KNDS New Generation EMBT-ADT 140 Main Battle Tank (Picture source: Army Recognition)
The E-MBT (European Main Battle Tank) is a collaborative project between the French company Nexter and the German company Krauss-Maffei Wegmann (KMW), under their joint venture KNDS. Announced in 2018, the E-MBT project aims to develop a next-generation main battle tank to replace the French Leclerc and the German Leopard 2 tanks. The E-MBT prototype incorporates a hybrid design, using a modified Leopard 2 chassis and a Leclerc turret, combining technologies and expertise from both companies. This project is part of broader European defense initiatives to enhance military interoperability and technological advancement within Europe. The E-MBT is a precursor to the Main Ground Combat System (MGCS), which is expected to be a more advanced platform designed to meet the future requirements of European armed forces.
E-MBT prototype incorporates a hybrid design, using a modified Leopard 2 chassis and Ascalon Demonstrator Turret (ADT 140), a remotely-operated turret equipped with a 140mm AscalonR gun (Picture source: Army Recognition)
This new variant of the E-MBT, the EMBT-ADT 140, features the Ascalon Demonstrator Turret (ADT 140), a remotely-operated turret equipped with a 140mm AscalonR gun. The turret's development is part of KNDS' efforts to anticipate the Main Ground Combat System (MGCS), aiming to confirm their firepower capabilities and demonstrate the integration of future technologies such as sensor fusion, integral hemispheric active protection, AI, cyber capabilities, and hybrid energy applications.
The EMBT-ADT 140 main battle tank is scheduled for a firing-on-the-move demonstration in 2025. The tank's technical characteristics are notable, particularly regarding its firepower. The turret includes a 140mm, 48-caliber smoothbore gun with an autoloader that can hold up to 22 rounds. Additionally, it features a coaxial 20x102mm automatic gun with 300 rounds ready to fire, a Remote Controlled Weapon Station (RCWS) ARX30 with a 30mm x 113 gun, which has 150 rounds ready to fire, and a colinear 7.62mm machine gun with 200 rounds ready to fire.
The EMBT-ADT 140 is equipped with various systems to enhance its operational capabilities. The unmanned turret includes a multi-purpose sensor suite with six APS/Anti-UAS radars, four laser warning and missile warning sensors, an acoustic gunshot detector, and a 360-degree local situation awareness system.
Survivability features of the EMBT-ADT 140 include complete armored protection that is regenerative and modular, integral top-attack protection, and an anti-UAV RCWS with an optronic and radar sensor suite. The tank employs a distributed APS concept for full hemispheric protection and includes hemispheric soft-kill coverage with 22 countermeasure launchers.
In terms of mobility, the EMBT-ADT 140 achieves a road speed of approximately 65 km/h, powered by a 1,100 kW (1,500 hp) powerpack. It has a range of over 450 km on road and a ground clearance of 450 mm, facilitating effective maneuverability in various terrains.
Ascalon Demonstrator Turret (ADT 140) fitted with 140mm AscalonR gun
As a reminder, KNDS has recently completed successful testing of the new Ascalon 140mm gun at a testing facility. This gun exhibits significant firepower and firing rate, but its standout feature is its modularity, allowing the barrel diameter to be switched to 120mm within just an hour. This adaptability introduces a new dynamic to cavalry doctrines. Currently, this 140mm gun is not yet installed on a tank turret, but KNDS plans to conduct the first tests on a fully equipped turret in 2025. The 140mm gun is expected to be integrated into the Main Ground Combat System (MGCS).
KNDS is committed to demonstrating the readiness of the ASCALON 140mm gun and its ammunition. The most recent firing tests in May 2024 highlighted the impressive capabilities of both the 140mm and 120mm barrels, along with the maturity of the APFSDS rounds. The ASCALON® program encompasses several hundred firings of 120mm and 140mm barrels, scheduled from May 2022 through December 2025. A crucial upcoming milestone is the 2025 firing tests from a main battle tank (MBT).
The recent KNDS demonstration showcased the firing of a 140mm ASCALON barrel, swiftly followed by a conversion to a 120mm ASCALON barrel, and then further firings using 120mm ammunition. This campaign demonstrated the ASCALON system's flexibility, which allows for quick adaptations between barrels ranging from 120mm to 140mm on the same mount within less than an hour.
KNDS New Generation EMBT-ADT 140 Main Battle Tank (Picture source: Army Recognition)