Char Leclerc: French heritage of excellence

The Leclerc tank is a 3rd-generation combat vehicle with a powerful weapons system. It is used to transport troops on missions requiring armored cars.

This equipment is equipped with fire and protection capabilities. It is the only all-terrain tank capable of firing at a fixed target from a distance of over 4,000 meters. But what do you need to know about these armored vehicles? Find out in the next few lines!

The origins of the Leclerc tank

The Leclerc tank was introduced into the French army in December 1993. It stands out for its powerful mobility and ability to fire on the move. This makes it one of the most formidable armored vehicles in its class. Today, several hundred Leclerc tanks are in service with the French army. 

In the 1970s, the arrival of new battle tanks prompted France to renovate its AMX82. Following the withdrawal of plans to acquire foreign vehicles, France decided to develop a main battle tank. The name "Leclerc tank" was chosen in tribute to the French marshal' s bravery during the Second World War.

How much does a Leclerc tank cost?

In the 2000s, the Leclerc tank was valued at around 8 million euros. During the same period, the French Cour des Comptes estimated the unit cost of the tank, taking into account the design, ammunition and accessories required for its manufacture. In all, the army spent almost 15 million euros on this armored combat vehicle. 

What makes the Leclerc tank so special? 

The Leclerc tank stands out first and foremost for its crew. 

On the one hand, the pilot operates the machine via the cockpit, which is located below a small hatch. This army tank is equipped with an automatic gearbox and steering wheel. To improve visibility at night, this heavy tank features a light-intensification device.

On the other hand, the mission of theturret operator is to fire at the targets. To do this, he operates from the command post. The tank is also equipped with a thermal camera to help locate targets even at a distance of 2,000 meters. Finally, the tank commander sits to the left of the gun and is responsible for transmitting coordinates via the automatic rallying process. 

Secondly, the Leclerc tank is distinguished by its dimensions. It is 10.36m long and 3m high, to facilitate camouflage of the troops. The tank is also equipped with drive wheels and self-propelled cannons rated at 26 hp/t in the case of the latest prototype.

A light armored vehicle

The Leclerc tank weighs 57t and can travel at speeds of up to 71km/h on the road. This combat vehicle has been designed to withstand enemy blows during ground attacks. It is also resistant to grenades, missiles and rockets. The latest versions of the Leclerc tank are equipped with powerful reactive modules to resist the latest generation of rockets. Armored troops can also protect themselves from enemies thanks to the ceramic plate that makes up the tank.

What are the different types of Leclerc tank? 

The AZUR kit

This first Leclerc tank model takes its name from the acronym " Action en Zones Urbaines" ("Action in Urban Areas"). It was manufactured in 2004. At the time, it was developed to reinforce the security of troops against enemies during combat in the field. Today, this combat vehicle is used in the tropicalized version of the prototype offered in the United Arab Emirates. Here are the AZUR kit's special features: 

• a complete weapons system;
• self-propelled guns protected by anti-rocket grids ;
• an undercarriage equipped with powerful armoured blocks;
• a communication line with a maximum range of 200m.

The Leclerc tank repairer (DCL) 

This Leclerc kit, also known as the "new generation breakdown truck", features the German Büffel breakdown device. The long 12.7 mm machine gun provides optimum protection for the soldiers. Weighing in at 56 tonnes, this Leclerc tank has a road speed of 65 km/h and a range of 700 km. 

The WATER version 

This tropicalized version is distinguished by several features: 

• a 1,500-horsepower diesel engine;
• a MAG 58 machine gun controlled by the tank commander;
• a chassis whose safety is enhanced by pre-shielding.

The new Leclerc tank 

This new Leclerc tank model is part of the Scorpion program. It features a new-generation machine gun for the regiments, rocket protection kits and an anti-LED jamming device. With this new weapon of war, France hopes to strengthen its armament while awaiting the arrival of the MGCS, the new Franco-German battle tank.

The successor to the Leclerc tank 

In 2012, the French defense procurement agency (Direction Générale de l'Armement) developed the MGCS (Main Ground Combat System) under a contract between France and Germany. This new tank model will replace the Leclerc and Leopard 2. The KNDS group was set up to reduce the cost of designing these battle tanks. KNDS is the result of a merger between the French company Nexter and the German company Krauss-Maffai Wegmann.

The most important studies are due to start in 2025, leading to the creation of a first demonstrator, scheduled for between 2025 and 2030. The new tank should be operational and in use by the army by 2035.

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