The Leclerc Main Battle Tank (MBT) has been a mainstay in the French Army since it entered service in 1992.
Although it has never seen combat, the Leclerc has a number of unique features that set it apart from its NATO counterparts.
At the Eurosatory 2024 international weapons trade fair, France revealed the next generation of this family of tanks, the Leclerc Evolution. This tank has a number of interesting features that build upon and upgrade the Leclerc platform.
Out with the Old, In with the New on Leclerc Tank
The original Leclerc tank, named after Marshal Philippe Leclerc de Hauteclocque, was introduced in the 1990s as a third-generation MBT. It was designed to replace the aging AMX-30 and to provide the French Army with a modern, highly capable armored vehicle.
The Leclerc tank was known for its advanced fire-control system, modular armor, and bustle autoloader, which made it unique among Western tanks.
Over the years, it has undergone several upgrades, including the Leclerc XLR variant, which incorporated enhanced electronics, improved protection, and better situational awareness.
Introducing the Leclerc Evolution
The Leclerc Evolution is the latest iteration in this lineage and features a completely new (and rather odd-looking) turret. Developed by KNDS, this prototype tank is equipped with new features that are designed to provide an intermediate solution between current tanks and the future Main Ground Combat System.
The Leclerc Evolution is fitted with the ASCALON (Autoloaded and Scalable Outperforming Gun) turret, which can accommodate either a 120-mm or 140-mm cannon. This flexibility adapts the tank for a range of different combat scenarios and improves its firepower significantly.
The autoloader system supports up to 22 rounds, streamlining operations and reducing the crew’s workload. In addition to its main armament, the Leclerc Evolution features the ARX30 Remote Controlled Weapon Station, which is specifically designed for anti-drone warfare.
This secondary armament includes a 30-mm cannon, a 12.7-mm machine gun, and a 7.62-mm machine gun. The versatility in firepower is useful against various threats.
The Future of France’s Tank Forces
The tank is further equipped with a loitering ammunition launcher capable of deploying three intermediate-range munitions. This feature significantly extends the tank’s range and allows it to engage targets beyond the line of sight.
However, it has the downside of necessitating a four-man crew, with the fourth being the drone operator.
In terms of protection, the Leclerc Evolution offers many improvements. The tank boasts comprehensive protection measures, including a modular armor system, the Galix close protection system, and the Trophy active protections system (APS).
The APS defends the tank against incoming threats, while the Galix system dispenses smoke and anti-penetration rounds to protect against close-range attacks. In addition, the tank is equipped with a chemical, biological, radiological, and nuclear (CBRN) filtration system.
The engine has also received some improvements. Powered by a 1,100 kW (1,500 hp) engine, the Leclerc Evolution can reach speeds of up to 68 kilometers per hour and has a road range of 470 kilometers. Its ground clearance of 475 millimeters allows it to roll across challenging terrain effortlessly, making it highly mobile and adaptable to various conditions.
The tank’s deputy commander/drone operator is stationed in the chassis to manage an extensive array of sensors and effectors, reducing the commander’s workload and providing fuller situational awareness. This setup ensures that the crew can monitor and respond to threats in real time.
What the Leclerc Evolution Improves
The Leclerc Evolution introduces several improvements over previous Leclerc models—even the most advanced version, the Leclerc XLR. The ASCALON turret offers the option to upgrade to a 140-mm cannon. This increase in caliber makes the tank better able to penetrate advanced armor and engage fortified targets.
The Evolution’s modular armor system and the inclusion of the Trophy APS provide superior protection compared to the XLR.
The integration of the Galix close protection system and CBRN filtration further enhances crew survivability in diverse combat environments. The Leclerc Evolution’s advanced sensor suite and deputy commander role improve situational awareness and threat detection.
This is a significant upgrade from the XLR, which, while equipped with modern electronics, does not offer the same level of real-time monitoring and response capabilities.
Both the Leclerc XLR and Evolution are highly mobile, but the Evolution’s improved engine and superior ground clearance provide better performance in rugged terrains. This makes the Evolution more versatile and able to adapt to various operational scenarios.
Furthermore, the inclusion of the ARX30 RCWS and loitering ammunition launcher in the Evolution adds a new dimension to its combat capabilities. These features enable the tank to engage aerial threats and targets beyond visual range, capabilities that are not present in the XLR.
The Leclerc Evolution is an improvement over previous models. There are still questions about how much this new tank will cost, but at the moment, it is safe to call the Leclerc Evolution a worthy successor to the previous model.
About the Author: Isaac Seitz
Isaac Seitz, a 19FortyFive Defense Columnist, graduated from Patrick Henry College’s Strategic Intelligence and National Security program. He has also studied Russian at Middlebury Language Schools and has worked as an intelligence Analyst in the private sector.
