The Franco-German next-generation tank will get a combat laser, electromagnetic weapons, an electronic warfare system and active defences

The French and German defence ministers are preparing to start negotiations on the next generation tank project. The French-German holding KNDS and German defence concern Rheinmetall will take part in them.

Here's What We Know

The start of negotiations is scheduled for 2024. After that, other European countries willing to participate in the development of the new main battle tank will be able to join the project, which is called Main Ground Combat System (MGCS). This was announced by German Defence Minister Boris Pistorius.

At the same time, his counterpart Sébastien Lecornu believes that the first step will be for countries to join as observers. The French Defence Minister announced talks with the Italian Armed Forces, which intend to acquire new generation tanks.

France and Germany will develop specifications for the project by the end of the year. This was made possible after the armies of both countries worked out criteria for replacing the Leopard 2 and Leclerc main battle tanks. Sebastien Lecornu promises "hard technological breakthroughs".

The future tank will get an active defence to counter anti-tank shells and drones. In addition to the standard cannon, it will be equipped with electromagnetic weapons, a combat laser and an electronic warfare system.

France will invest more than $530 million in the MGCS project from 2024 to 2030. The new tank is expected to be in service by the mid-2040s. Around the same time, France, Spain and Germany could receive a sixth-generation fighter jet.

Source: Defence News