First 18 Operational Tanks for Delivery in 2023

The DGA, France’s defence procurement agency, issued a contract to Nexter on 29 December for the renovation of 50 Leclerc main battle tanks to the XLR standard. A prototype was delivered to the DGA at the end of last year and the first 18 operational tanks are currently scheduled to be delivered to the Army during 2023.

The initial objective of the programme is to integrate the tank into the Scorpion collaborative warfare system and the SICS combat information system. The XLR features the Contact radio and the vetronics suite common to all Scorpion programme vehicles, and its combat capabilities have been significantly enhanced, with the addition of a 7.72mm remotely-operated turret for urban warfare and improved ballistic protection against mines and rockets. A new fire control system also provides the tank with the ability to fire munitions with programmable effects.

Operational with the French Army since 1993, the Leclerc has seen operational service in Lebanon, Estonia and, most recently, in Romania. Nexter has maintained the vehicle under a vertical support contract since 2010. A total of 200 Leclercs will be renovated for French service by 2029 under current plans.