French "grills": anti-drone grilles for Leclerc tank developed in France

The Forces Operations publication has published photos showing Leclerc tanks with drone protection grilles.

Here's What We Know

The tank protection was presented at the Larzac camp, where the latest technology was demonstrated. The French publication Midi Libre reported that this solution will be implemented in 2025 in various units. The innovations, developed by the Army Technical Department (STAT), were presented to French generals and Chief of Army Staff Pierre Schill.

The frontal and side walls of the Leclerc tank's hull and turret are made of multi-layer armour. An important step in ensuring the protection of the vehicle was the use of a modular design for the armour of the frontal parts of the hull and turret. However, the turret systems remain vulnerable and can be easily hit by attack drones or ammunition dropped from drones.

The French also installed protective grilles on the sides of the tank, presumably to protect the engine. The turret niche, which holds 22 shells, was also reinforced with grilles. The shells are automatically fed from this niche, and the ammunition magazine is separated from the crew and has knockout panels.

The Leclerc tank is currently undergoing an evolutionary phase. KNDS recently unveiled its latest armoured technology advancement, the Leclerc Evolution tank, which represents a new four-crew concept adapted to modern tactical situations.

Source: Forcesoperations