Franco-German defence group KNDS unveiled a new battle tank on Monday designed to replace France's ageing Leclerc fleet, as delays continue to hamper the two countries' joint next-generation tank programme.
The new tank, named CAPINT, short for "intermediary capability," was presented at the Eurosatory defence exhibition near Paris.
According to KNDS, the vehicle combines a chassis produced by the company's German division with a tank gun manufactured by its French unit.
The company said the platform is intended to strengthen the French Army's capabilities while serving as a bridge to the future Franco-German tank programme.
The unveiling comes as European countries accelerate efforts to boost defence spending and military production amid growing concerns over Russia and uncertainty surrounding long-term U.S. security commitments under President Donald Trump.
However, European defence cooperation has encountered increasing difficulties, with several joint projects facing delays and disagreements.
The launch of CAPINT follows last week's decision by France and Germany to abandon their joint Future Combat Air System (FCAS) fighter jet programme after months of disputes between Airbus and Dassault Aviation.
The Franco-German Main Ground Combat System (MGCS) programme was launched in 2017 to develop a next-generation tank that would eventually replace Germany's Leopard 2 and France's Leclerc fleets.
The programme was originally expected to enter service between 2040 and 2045.
However, French officials have acknowledged significant delays. In April, French Armed Forces Minister Catherine Vautrin told parliament that the project was running around a decade behind schedule, prompting Paris to launch an interim tank programme.
France's Leclerc tanks are scheduled to leave service by 2038, creating a potential capability gap that CAPINT is intended to fill.
Over the weekend, the chief executive of Rheinmetall, one of the shareholders in the MGCS initiative, said France was considering significant cuts to the programme's funding.
A French government source, however, insisted that the project remains strategically important for both France and Germany, as well as for KNDS.
Meanwhile, Germany has also been pursuing parallel plans since 2025. KNDS Germany and Rheinmetall are developing an interim tank known as the Leopard 2AX, or Leopard 3, as a successor to Germany's current Leopard 2 fleet.
Amid growing demand for military equipment in Europe, KNDS is preparing for a stock market debut through a dual listing in Frankfurt and Paris later this year.
The company hopes rising defence spending and a renewed focus on European military capabilities will provide momentum as it expands its role in the continent's rearmament efforts.
Iran has said that reaching an agreement with the U.S. to end the war does not mean Tehran will overlook what it describes as war crimes committed aga...
Russia has allowed some oil refineries to produce fuel with lower environmental standards for the domestic market as repeated Ukrainian attacks on ene...
The United Nations Security Council unanimously extended the United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA) until 17 June 2027 in New York o...
The first day of the Group of Seven (G7) summit in Évian-les-Bains, France, was dominated by discussions on the Middle East, Ukraine and the global e...
The FIFA World Cup 2026 produced drama and surprises on 14-15 June, with Iran fighting back to draw 2-2 with New Zealand, Ivory Coast scoring a stoppa...
Russia has allowed some oil refineries to produce fuel with lower environmental standards for the domestic market as repeated Ukrainian attacks on energy infrastructure disrupt supplies, according to a report by the Russian newspaper Kommersant.
The United Nations Security Council unanimously extended the United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA) until 17 June 2027 in New York on Monday, preserving its humanitarian, rights and political work.
The first day of the Group of Seven (G7) summit in Évian-les-Bains, France, was dominated by discussions on the Middle East, Ukraine and the global economy, as leaders grappled with multiple crises that have reshaped the international landscape.
The FIFA World Cup 2026 produced drama and surprises on 14-15 June, with Iran fighting back to draw 2-2 with New Zealand, Ivory Coast scoring a stoppage-time winner over Ecuador, Sweden thrashing Tunisia 5-1, and debutants Cape Verde holding Spain to a goalless draw.
Details of a reported draft memorandum of understanding between the United States and Iran offer the clearest picture yet of how both sides plan to end months of conflict and move towards a longer-term settlement.
The U.S. and Iran say they have reached a deal to end their conflict, with an immediate ceasefire and reopening of the Strait of Hormuz after the lifting of the U.S. naval blockade. Talks will continue over the next 60 days to finalise the agreement
A senior U.S. official said on Monday that the memorandum of understanding linked to the U.S.-Iran agreement had been signed by President Donald Trump, Vice President JD Vance and Iranian Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Qalibaf.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has told U.S. President Donald Trump that Israel does not consider itself bound by a Lebanon-related provision in an emerging agreement with Iran, according to Israeli officials.
Switzerland on Sunday rejected a referendum proposal to cap its population at 10 million, a projection showed, as voters prioritised economic stability and the country's ties with the European Union over immigration concerns.
Firefighters and workers were clearing debris on Monday after what Ukraine described as a deliberate Russian strike severely damaged a nearly 1,000-year-old cathedral in Kyiv, one of the country's most important religious and cultural landmarks.
One month after Ebola cases were confirmed in eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo, health officials and aid organisations say the true extent of the outbreak remains unclear because of major gaps in testing, reporting and disease surveillance.
The first day of the Group of Seven (G7) summit in Évian-les-Bains, France, was dominated by discussions on the Middle East, Ukraine and the global economy, as leaders grappled with multiple crises that have reshaped the international landscape.
Pakistan's political leadership on Monday welcomed a breakthrough agreement between the U.S. and Iran aimed at ending more than three months of conflict, with Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif describing it as a major diplomatic success and a victory for peace.
Hungary's parliament on Monday approved a constitutional amendment limiting prime ministers to a maximum of eight years in office, a move that effectively prevents former premier Viktor Orbán from returning to the country's top political post.
You can download the AnewZ application from Play Store and the App Store.
What is your opinion on this topic?
Leave the first comment