The American M1 Abrams and the French Leclerc are both fine tanks. Both tanks are a combination of firepower, mobility, and survivability.
But which tank would win in a one-on-one fighter?
Despite the Leclerc’s lack of combat experience, the tank is still a surprisingly close match for the M1 Abrams.
For the sake of the discussion, I will be comparing the Leclerc XLR to the M1A2, as these are the best variants of the tanks that are currently in service.
Leclerc vs. M1 Abrams
The Leclerc XLR is the latest upgrade of France’s Leclerc MBT, developed by Nexter as part of the SCORPION program. It reflects France’s emphasis on network-centric warfare, modularity, and strategic mobility.
The XLR retains the Leclerc’s hallmark features—lightweight design, autoloader, and digital systems—while integrating new technologies such as the SCORPION vetronics suite, improved armor, and enhanced situational awareness tools. The tank is designed to operate in joint, multi-domain environments and is optimized for rapid deployment and maneuver warfare.
The M1A2 Abrams, particularly in its SEPv3 configuration, is the culmination of decades of U.S. armored engineering experience. It is a heavily armored, high-survivability platform designed for sustained combat in high-intensity conflict zones.
The Abrams prioritizes protection and firepower, with upgrades focused on survivability, lethality, and digital connectivity. Unlike the Leclerc, which uses an autoloader, the Abrams retains a four-person crew, including a human loader, which some argue provides greater flexibility in combat scenarios.
Firepower
The Leclerc XLR is armed with a GIAT CN120-26/52 120mm smoothbore gun, capable of firing NATO-standard ammunition. Its autoloader allows for a high rate of fire and reduces crew size to three. The fire control system is highly advanced, offering hunter-killer and commander override capabilities. The XLR upgrade enhances this system with improved optics, thermal imaging, and integration into the SCORPION battlefield network, allowing for real-time data sharing and target acquisition.
The M1A2 Abrams is equipped with the M256 120mm smoothbore cannon, derived from the German Rheinmetall L/44. It is manually loaded, which can slightly reduce the rate of fire compared to autoloaders but allows for more flexible ammunition handling. The Abrams’ fire control system is among the best in the world, featuring advanced thermal sights, laser rangefinders, and ballistic computers. The SEPv4 variant introduces improved sensors and the ability to fire programmable airburst munitions, significantly enhancing its lethality against infantry and drones.
Mobility: M1 Abrams vs. Leclerc
Mobility is one of the Leclerc’s strongest attributes. Weighing approximately 57.4 tons, it is significantly lighter than the M1 Abrams. The Leclerc is powered by a V8X-1500 hyperbar diesel engine, delivering excellent acceleration and a top speed of around 72 km/h. Its lighter weight and compact design make it ideal for rapid deployment, especially in expeditionary operations where strategic mobility is crucial.
The Abrams, by contrast, is powered by a Honeywell AGT1500 gas turbine engine, which provides high horsepower but is notoriously fuel-hungry. While the tank is fast and powerful, its logistical demands are substantial. The SEPv3 and SEPv4 upgrades aim to improve fuel efficiency and reliability, but the Abrams remains a heavy and resource-intensive platform. The Abrams is also notoriously heavy; clocking in with a weight at around 73.6 tons (66.8 metric tons) in its SEPv3 variant.
Protection and Survivability
The M1A2 Abrams is renowned for its survivability. It features composite armor with depleted uranium layers, providing exceptional protection against kinetic and chemical energy threats. The SEPv3 and SEPv4 variants include Active Protection Systems (APS), improved underbelly armor for mine resistance, and counter-IED technologies.
The tank’s design emphasizes crew survivability, with features like blowout panels in the ammunition compartment.
The Leclerc XLR has also received significant protection upgrades. It now includes modular composite armor, improved mine and IED protection, and the option to integrate APS such as the Trophy system. While it lacks the sheer mass of the Abrams’ armor, its survivability is enhanced by its smaller profile, agility, and advanced situational awareness systems that help avoid threats before they strike.
Technology and Internal Systems
The Leclerc XLR is a fully digital tank, integrated into France’s SCORPION network. This allows it to share data in real time with other units, enhancing coordination and situational awareness. The XLR features a new vetronics suite, upgraded sensors, and improved command and control systems. It is designed to operate seamlessly in a multi-domain battlefield, with support for drone integration and electronic warfare capabilities.
The M1A2 Abrams SEPv3 also features extensive digital upgrades. These include improved communications systems, battlefield management software, and enhanced sensor suites. The SEPv3 and later variants introduces AI-assisted targeting, multi-spectral sensors, and programmable ammunition, making it one of the most technologically advanced tanks in the world.
Which Tank is Better?
Comparing these two tanks is quite difficult. In terms of firepower and armor, both tanks are pretty much equal, as both incorporate the latest and greatest in firepower and armor. In terms of mobility, the Leclerc just barely wins due to its lighter weight and more efficient engine.
Image: Creative Commons.
M1 Abrams Tank. Image Credit: Creative Commons.
VLC1 – M1A1 Abrams from 1-72nd Armor Regiment line up in preparation to assault a town during Warrior Focus, a training exercise involving the entire 1st HBCT, Feb. 10 at the Combined Arms Collective Training Facility at Rodriguez Live Fire Complex.
A M1 Abrams tank from 5th Squadron, 4th Cavalry Regiment, 2nd Armored Brigade Combat Team, 1st Infantry Division, fires a round during a Combined Arms Live Fire Exercise (CALFEX) at Grafenwoehr Training Area, Germany, Mar 26, 2018.
Image: DoD Flickr.
In terms of technology and combat history, however, the M1 Abrams beats the Leclerc, making it the better tank overall.
While the Leclerc XLR is a fine tank in its own right, the M1A2 is the pinnacle of decades of American engineering, incorporating the latest technology in a battle-proven platform.
About the Author:
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.
