In a significant move towards strengthening their defense capabilities, France and Germany have formalized an agreement to jointly develop a future battle-tank system. The defense ministers of both countries signed off on an industrial work-share pact, signaling their commitment to collaboration in defense technology.

Under the agreement, defense firms such as KNDS, Rheinmetall, and Thales, among others, will work on proposals for the future battle tank system, expected to be submitted in the coming months. Germany, taking the lead in the project, will be responsible for awarding contracts for the first demonstrator phase by the end of this year.

The project, known as the Main Ground Combat System (MGCS), had faced challenges and delays due to disagreements over industry participation. However, the defense ministers, Sebastian Lecornu of France and Boris Pistorius of Germany, managed to revive the project in the past eight months by agreeing to an equal workload distribution between the nations.

Lecornu emphasized the importance of fostering cooperation between French and German defense industries, stating that a common culture among the industrial partners is crucial for successful collaboration. Drawing lessons from previous joint defense projects, such as the Future Combat Air System, the ministers are determined to involve the input of their respective armed forces from the outset.

The envisioned future battle tank system will have a modular design, allowing for different tank variants with specialized functionalities to operate alongside each other on the battlefield. A common undercarriage will be shared by all variants. While the concept is yet to be proven, lessons from recent conflicts, including Ukraine's defense against Russian invaders, will be incorporated to inform the design process.

Germany aims to replace its Leopard tanks, while France plans to upgrade its Leclerc fleet with the MGCS in the 2040s. As competition in the tank domain is expected to intensify, with emerging countries like India entering the market, the focus on technological innovation in the MGCS will position it in a distinct market segment with potential export prospects.

The joint tank effort has received praise from NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg, who noted that it will enhance NATO's capabilities and foster cooperation among allies. Several countries, including Italy and those in Eastern Europe, have also expressed their interest in the MGCS program.

The project will be divided into several pillars, covering various aspects such as the main platform, turret and gun combination, new types of fires, connectivity, and electronic warfare. While some areas will entail joint cooperation, others will be led by individual nations based on their industrial experience.

Concerns over the vulnerability of tanks to drone attacks and the diminishing effectiveness of 120mm cannons have spurred the German military to consider larger caliber options, with calibers of 130mm or 140mm being considered for the MGCS.

Furthermore, it is highly probable that the future battle tank will utilize a hybrid diesel-electric propulsion system, as suggested by the Bundeswehr. The inclusion of a nearly silent electric drive is seen as a tactical advantage, allowing for stealthier operations on the battlefield.

With the signing of this agreement, France and Germany have taken a significant step towards creating an advanced and collaborative defense system that will ensure their future military capabilities.