Franco-German Defence Group Unveils Interim Battle Tank amid MGCS Delays

Franco-German defence group KNDS has launched a new battle tank, CAPINT, to replace the French Army's aging Leclerc tanks amid delays in the joint Franco-German Main Ground Combat System (MGCS) project. The new tank features combined Franco-German technology and was unveiled at the Eurosatory defence exhibition.

Franco-German defence conglomerate KNDS revealed a new battle tank at the Eurosatory defence exhibition near Paris on Monday, intended as a stopgap for France's ageing Leclerc fleet.

The joint Franco-German MGCS project faces delays and is set to replace Germany's Leopard 2 and France's Leclerc tanks, but is running about a decade behind schedule.

Amid these hurdles, France and Germany rescinded the FCAS fighter jet programme last week over disagreements, leading to KNDS' focus on the CAPINT, which merges technologies from both nations and is seen as a stepping stone to the MGCS.