By decision of the French Directorate General of Armament (DGA), the French Army is set to upgrade another batch of Leclerc tanks to the XLR standard, ensuring that the units remain in service until the arrival of the new Main Ground Combat System (MGCS). According to reports, a total of 100 main battle tanks will be modernized under this new order, bringing the total number of upgraded units to 150 since the program’s inception.
The modernization process for the French tanks began at the end of 2022 with the first contract awarded to Nexter for an initial batch of 50 units. The upgrade package is part of the SCORPION program (Synergie du CONtact Renforcé par la Polyvalence et l’info valorisatION), which aims to enhance the tanks’ protection and mobility through the addition of increased armor, an RWS-type turret, as well as various additional sensors and grenade launchers. The upgrade also includes the integration of the Contact radio and Vetronics systems, already present in the vehicles of the SCORPION program, specifically the Jaguar and Griffon.
It is worth mentioning that the French Army’s new tank variant underwent live-fire testing in May 2023, where not only its overall performance stood out but also its innovative technical features, positioning it at the forefront of military technology. During these trials, the 120mm cannon’s firing capability was evaluated at the Bourges test range, advancing the finalization of the modernization program for the MBTs to the XLR version.
With this latest order, the program’s ultimate goal is to upgrade a total of 200 units, with 160 Leclerc tanks to be delivered by 2030 and another 40 by 2035, in accordance with the Military Programming Law (LPM) 2024-2030. According to the statement, the modernization work is being carried out at KNDS France’s facility in Roanne (Loire). In the same vein, the DGA delivered the 14th and 15th modernized tanks to the French Army in October 2024, while the 34th unit was handed over in December.
Cover image: Credits Antoine Siffroi, STAT-Army of Land.
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