France and Germany have concluded an important agreement on the creation of a new generation European tank MGCS (Main Ground Combat System). The development is designed to replace the existing Leopard 2 and Leclerc tanks.
According to Reuters, the project will be implemented by the KNDS consortium, which includes the French group Nexter and the German company KMW. The Italian defense giant Leonardo is also involved in the development.
The main focus of the MGCS is not only the creation of the latest tank model, but also the integration of advanced technologies, including artificial intelligence. The unique tank is expected to be a modular platform that can operate both with a crew and in an automated mode.
MGCS will have electromagnetic weapons, electronic warfare equipment, laser weapons, an active protection complex, protection against drones and cyber security features. The breakthrough in MGCS development is of strategic importance not only for France and Germany, but also for other European countries that have expressed interest in participating in the project.
According to German Defense Minister Boris Pistorius, the agreement reached will play an important role in further development of the European defense sector, because it provides for an even distribution of industrial volumes between France and Germany.