Leclerc Evolution
| Company type | Prototype main battle tank |
|---|---|
| Industry | Defense, Military vehicles |
| Founded | 2024 |
| Founder | KNDS France |
| Headquarters | France |
| Products | Main battle tanks |
Leclerc Evolution represents a French fourth-generation main battle tank (MBT) prototype, designed and produced by KNDS France.
Presented for the first time at Eurosatory 2024, this tank incorporates a turret equipped with the ASCALON (Autoloaded and SCALable Outperforming guN), which supports firing both 120 mm and 140 mm ammunition. It also includes an ARX30 remotely operated turret, a PASEO sighting system paired with a 7.62 mm machine gun, the "Trophy" active defense mechanism, and capabilities for remotely handling ammunition. As reported by BFM TV, the Leclerc Evolution is anticipated to be operational by 2030, with KNDS France targeting multiple international customers.
KNDS France markets the Leclerc Evolution not as a rival to the newest Leopard 2 variants or forthcoming cooperative ventures such as the EMBT ADT140, but rather as an alternative option tailored to regions where Leopard tanks may not be ideal.
See also
- Leclerc XLR, French fourth-generation main battle tank currently in production
- EMBT ADT140, collaborative French-German advanced fourth-generation main battle tank
- Main Ground Combat System, joint French-German project for next-generation main battle tanks and tactical vehicles