Leclerc Tank: A Closer Look at France’s Premier Battle Tank

Summary: The French Leclerc tank, although less renowned than its counterparts like the M1 Abrams or Leopard 2, stands as one of the leading main battle tanks in modern military hardware. Developed in the late 20th century to replace the older AMX-30, the Leclerc entered service in 1991.

-It features a 120mm smoothbore main gun with an automatic loading system, allowing a reduced crew of three to maintain a high rate of fire. Equipped with advanced modular armor and a sophisticated battle management system, the Leclerc excels in protection and operational efficiency.

-Recently, an upgraded version was introduced, enhancing its defenses against modern battlefield threats like IEDs and anti-tank missiles, signaling France's continued innovation in armored warfare.

The Evolution and Capabilities of the French Leclerc Main Battle Tank

The French army is not seen as a tank powerhouse, but France was at the forefront of tank design during the First World War. Its Renault FT differed greatly from the British and German tanks of the era. It was the first to integrate now-standard features such as a turret.

In the modern era, France's tanks remain overshadowed by those from Germany, the United States, and the United Kingdom. Yet the French military operates one of the best main battle tanks in service.

Meet the Leclerc Tank

Four decades ago, as the United States adopted the M1 Abrams and Germany's Leopard 2 first entered service, the French military began development of the Leclerc. It was designed to replace the French army's fleet of aging AMX-30 tanks. The first production models of the Leclerc rolled into service in 1991.

Generally considered an excellent vehicle, the Leclerc is equipped with an automatic loading system for the main armament. Remote-controlled machine guns allow for a crew of just three –  a commander, driver, and gunner. 

The French third-generation tank is armed with a 120mm smoothbore main gun. It is longer than the guns on the Leopard 2 or the M1 Abrams, but it fires essentially the same ammunition. The 120mm gun is fully stabilized to allow for firing on the move, even across open country. With its autoloader, the Leclerc can sustain a rate of fire of 12 rounds per minute.

The autoloader can also quickly switch between APFSDS and HEAT rounds, the two principal types of projectiles the vehicle carries. The normal ammunition load is 22 ready-use rounds in the turret, with an additional 18 stored in the hull. The commander peers through a panoramic sight with a laser rangefinder and an image intensifier, while the gunner's sight features a thermal rangefinder.

The crew is protected by an advanced modular armor system, which can be tailored to numerous threats. The MBT's armor – a combination of steel, ceramics, and Kevlar – was developed to allow easy replacement of damaged modules. The turret and hull roof can withstand top-attack munitions, while the tank’s chassis is covered with wide side skirts.

Standard equipment also includes a fire-detection/suppression system and a land navigation system. The on-board electric systems are fully integrated to allow automatic reconfiguration in case of battlefield failure or damage. The French-made MBT is also equipped with a FINDERS (Fast Information, Navigation, Decision and Reporting) battle management system that provides the crew with a colored map display to mark allied and enemy forces.  

The 57-ton Leclerc is powered by an SACM V8 high-pressure diesel engine that delivers 1,500 horsepower. The MBT can equip extra fuel tanks to increase its operational range.

Improved Version Coming

Last November, Defence Blog reported that the 501st Combat Tank Regiment, stationed in Mourmelon-le-Grand, received the first of an upgraded Leclerc variant. Among other improvements, this MBT's defenses were reinforced against improvised explosive devices and anti-tank missiles.

"The first renovated Leclerc tank (XL-R) has arrived at the 501st RCC! A fourth-generation combat tank equipped with an innovative and integrated weapon system within the SCORPION turret. It constitutes a pivotal tool for coercion and major decision-making within the Army," the French tank regiment announced via a post to social media.

Author Experience and Expertise: Peter Suciu 

Peter Suciu is a Michigan-based writer. He has contributed to more than four dozen magazines, newspapers, and websites with over 3,200 published pieces over a twenty-year career in journalism. He regularly writes about military hardware, firearms history, cybersecurity, politics, and international affairs. Peter is also a Contributing Writer for Forbes and Clearance Jobs. You can follow him on Twitter: @PeterSuciu. You can email the author: Editor@nationalinterest.org.