France decided to upgrade AMX-56 Leclerc main battle tanks. The French Defence Procurement Agency (DGA) secured a contract with Nexter in line with the decision. Platforms will be upgraded to XLR standards.
A total of 50 main battle tanks will be upgraded as a part of the agreement. The first 18 tank-batch will be delivered to French Army in 2023. Tanks are aimed to become suitable for Scorpion collaborative warfare system. New combat and information system will be integrated into Leclercs. The original GIAT 120 mm 52 calibre smoothbore gun will be maintained while ballistic protection is increasing both for the hull and turret. Leclerc Scorpion will have an additional armour package.
France is aiming to modernise its fleet with Scorpion Programme. USD 6.8 billion multi-company modernisation plan aims to replace French fighting vehicles or equip them with improved electronics to become suitable for network-centric warfare.
