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France Orders Renovation of 100 Additional Leclerc Tanks

The French defense procurement agency has ordered the modernization of an additional 100 Leclerc main battle tanks.

Previous renovation orders of 50 tanks each were submitted in 2021 and 2022. 

A total of 34 renovated tanks, called the Leclerc XLR, have already been delivered by KNDS France.

The work is being carried out in Roanne in central France.

The effort calls for renovating 200 tanks: 160 by 2030 and the rest by 2035.

It intends to keep the three-decade-old workhorse in service until the Main Combat System of the Future (MGCS) is delivered in 2040.

Leclerc XLR

The 60-tonne (132,277 pounds) armored platform was designed to counter Russian armor and has been in service since 1993.

The upgraded Leclerc will have barrage electronic warfare jammers and new protection kits — both on the flanks and underneath. 

The enhanced protection will make the tank less vulnerable against improvised explosive devices, mines, and rockets.

Additionally, a new fire control system will enable the platform to employ new munitions, while a remote-controlled turret will allow the gunner to operate from inside the vehicle.

The tank will be able to exchange real-time tactical data with SCORPION program vehicles, such as the Griffon, Jaguar, and Serval.

Meanwhile, new digital sights for the gunner and tank commander will be fitted to it from 2028.

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