France may modernise additional Leclerc MBTs

[Zarvan]

France is considering adding an extra 25 Leclerc MBTs to its modernised fleet. Source: Nexter

France is considering increasing its planned main battle tank (MBT) inventory by more than a tenth, according to French defence sources.

Under current plans the French Army will operate 200 Leclerc MBTs, which will be modernised by Nexter Systems. However, this may now be increased to 225.

Speaking to IHS Jane's on 8 February, a French Army spokesperson said that increasing the number of MBTs to 225 was one of a number of adjustments being proposed in the French Army's SCORPION modernisation programme. The reasons behind the proposal is unclear, although they are likely to include concerns over Russia and the importance of heavy armour on recent battlefields in Ukraine, Syria, and Iraq.

Nexter was awarded a EUR330 million (USD372 million) contract on 5 March 2015 by French defence procurement agency (DGA) for the Leclerc element of the SCORPION programme. This includes the modernisation of 18 Leclerc armoured recovery vehicles (ARVs). This contract as yet remains unchanged, a DGA spokesperson told IHS Jane's .

Nexter is scheduled to complete the development, and begin deliveries, of the modernised Leclerc Rénové (R) in 2020. The modernisation effort is aimed at increasing the MBT's lethality, its survivability and to integrate it into the digital battlespace.

Lethality enhancements include adding a remote weapon station, armed with a 7.62 mm machine gun; adding new 120 mm/52 cal ammunition. A modular protection kit will be added to improve the Leclerc's ability to withstand attacks from rocket-propelled grenades (RPGs) and improvised explosive devices (IEDs), and an IED jammer will be added. A variety of C4I systems will also be added, including the Bull SICS C4I system, the Thales CVCS vectronics system, a new Thales communications suite, GPS, and a multifunction display system.

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France may modernise additional Leclerc MBTs | IHS Jane's 360

 

[Taygibay]

The reasons behind the proposal is unclear, although they are likely to include concerns over Russia and the importance of heavy armour on recent battlefields in Ukraine, Syria, and Iraq.

Actually, one reason is known to insiders. The Israelis when they regularly vacation in Gaza
bring heavies with a Dome element protective suite. They have discovered that the more and
more important part of the battlefield based in densely populated areas requires more than SUVs
& tacticals. Urban warfare means a very limited horizon and to survive, an invading force will
need modern armor, targeting sensors and a heck of a defensive suite for the dense EM environment.

Equipement des chars Leclerc pour les combats urbains - Sénat
That reflexion began in 2008 after the normal life evolution standard was completed.

It's that renewed use in the context of asymetric warfare that impacted the Scorpion program
and brought the additions.
15 Leclercs are also permanently based in Southern Lebanon, a number close enough to 25
especially as it may rise under international tensions to be cleared by your news.

And great day to you, Tay.

 

[Vergennes]

Actually, one reason is known to insiders. The Israelis when they regularly vacation in Gaza
bring heavies with a Dome element protective suite. They have discovered that the more and
more important part of the battlefield based in densely populated areas requires more than SUVs
& tacticals. Urban warfare means a very limited horizon and to survive, an invading force will
need modern armor, targeting sensors and a heck of a defensive suite for the dense EM environment.

Equipement des chars Leclerc pour les combats urbains - Sénat
That reflexion began in 2008 after the normal life evolution standard was completed.

It's that renewed use in the context of asymetric warfare that impacted the Scorpion program
and brought the additions.
15 Leclercs are also permanently based in Southern Lebanon, a number close enough to 25
especially as it may rise under international tensions to be cleared by your news.

And great day to you, Tay.

Haven't all the Leclercs left Lebanon ? In 2011 if i remember.

 

[Taygibay]

Yes Gab, thnx, I corrected that verb tense but the idea is that between Kosovo & FINUL,
the proof was made that MBTs are useful in "maintaining peace" *cough, cough* in towns & cities.
The re-orientation for urban zones is loosely based on such past demands is what I meant.

Tay.