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.
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