NewsFranco-German pact paves the way for "tank of the future" by 2040

Franco-German pact paves the way for "tank of the future" by 2040

Sebastien Lecornu (on the left) and Boris Pistorius signed an agreement on the construction of a "tank of the future", which is to be a continuation of the German Leopard 2 (in the photo) and the French Leclerc.
Sebastien Lecornu (on the left) and Boris Pistorius signed an agreement on the construction of a "tank of the future", which is to be a continuation of the German Leopard 2 (in the photo) and the French Leclerc.
Images source: © Bloomberg via Getty Images, PAP | EPA, Liesa Johannssen, THOMAS SAMSON

26 April 2024 15:33

Defence ministers from France and Germany recently inked a pivotal agreement to forge ahead with the development of modern armoured vehicles, heralding the dawn of what they're hailing as the "tank of the future." This advanced machinery, slated for readiness by 2040, marks a significant departure from existing tanks, introducing a fleet of "networked combat vehicles" equipped with cutting-edge artificial intelligence technologies.

This ambitious initiative is set to culminate in the Main Ground Combat System (MGCS), a comprehensive combat solution poised to serve as the terrestrial counterpart to the already-in-progress Future Combat Air System (FCAS) spearheaded by the two nations. The essence of MGCS lies in its innovative approach to warfare, aiming to seamlessly integrate combat tanks within a sprawling data network encompassing various weaponry, including drones.

In a move that underscores the Franco-German commitment to this groundbreaking project, developing and constructing the MGCS has been entrusted to industrial heavyweights Rheinmetall, KNDS, and Thales. Both Paris and Berlin are keen to finalize the contracts related to this venture before the end of the year, with France taking the lead on the aerial FCAS component and Germany focusing on the terrestrial MGCS segment.

German Defence Minister Boris Pistorius exudes confidence in the project's reception, anticipating broad support from most of the German Bundestag. The MGCS represents a leap forward in combat technology and stands as a testament to the enduring legacy of the German Leopard 2 and the French Leclerc tanks.

In a parallel narrative, the ongoing conflict in Ukraine serves as a backdrop for a burgeoning European arms industry, poised on the brink of a significant growth phase. Analysts predict that the industry's ascent will continue unabated in the years to come, regardless of the conflict's resolution. Companies like Rheinmetall have already witnessed unprecedented market success, with their share prices reaching historic highs in the wake of the heightened demand sparked by geopolitical tensions. This trend is mirrored across the sector, with entities such as Thales and the British powerhouse BAE Systems also experiencing significant gains.
See also