Leclerc vs T-72
The Leclerc and the T-72 are both Main Battle Tanks, manufactured by KNDS and Malyshev HMB Plant respectively. The Leclerc weighs 57.4 tons vs 44.5 tons for the T-72. Top speed is 71 km/h for the Leclerc vs 60 km/h for the T-72. Operational range is 650 km for the Leclerc vs 500 km for the T-72. The Leclerc is armed with a GIAT CN120-26/52 120mm tank gun, while the T-72 carries a 125 mm 2A46M-5 smoothbore gun. The Leclerc has been produced in 862 units vs 25,000 for the T-72. Unit cost is $17M for the Leclerc vs $2M for the T-72. The T-72 entered service 19 years before the Leclerc (1973 vs 1992).
| French tank, entering service in 1992, features composite armor and an autoloader. | |
| Origin country | 🇫🇷 France |
| Category | Main Battle Tank |
| Type | Heavy Main Battle Tank |
| Manufacturer | KNDS |
| Number produced | 862 units |
| Estimated unit price | $17 million |
| Ex-USSR main battle tank, entering service in 1973, with approximately 25,000 units built. | |
| Origin country | 🇨🇳 Ex-USSR |
| Category | Main Battle Tank |
| Type | Medium Main Battle Tank |
| Manufacturer | Malyshev HMB Plant |
| Number produced | 25,000 units |
| Estimated unit price | $2 million |
| Combat weight | 57.4 tons â—‰ |
| Maximum speed | 71 km/h â—‰ |
| Operational range | 650 km â—‰ |
| Length | 9.87 m â—‰ |
| Width | 3.60 m â—‰ |
| Height | 2.53 m â—‰ |
| Crew | 3 (Commander, gunner, driver) |
| Engine | V8X SACM (Wärtsilä) 8-cylinder diesel engine 1,100 kW (1,500 hp) |
| Main armament | GIAT CN120-26/52 120mm tank gun |
| Secondary weapon | 12.7 mm coaxial M2HB machine gun (1,100 rounds) |
| Combat weight | 44.5 tons â—‰ |
| Maximum speed | 60 km/h â—‰ |
| Operational range | 500 km â—‰ |
| Length | 9.73 m â—‰ |
| Width | 3.59 m â—‰ |
| Height | 2.23 m â—‰ |
| Crew | 3 (commander, gunner, driver) |
| Engine | V-92S2F (T-72B3 & T-72B3M) 1,130 hp (840 kW) |
| Main armament | 125 mm 2A46M-5 smoothbore gun |
| Secondary weapon | 7.62 mm PKT coax. machine gun |
Performance Radar Chart
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is faster, the Leclerc or T-72?
The Leclerc is faster with a maximum road speed of 71 km/h compared to the T-72's 60 km/h.
Which has longer operational range, the Leclerc or T-72?
The Leclerc has a longer operational range at 650 km compared to the T-72's 500 km.
Which is heavier, the Leclerc or T-72?
The Leclerc is heavier at 57.4 tons combat weight compared to the T-72's 44.5 tons.
Which is larger, the Leclerc or T-72?
The Leclerc is longer at 9.87 meters compared to the T-72's 9.73 meters.
How many crew members do the Leclerc and T-72 require?
The T-72 requires a larger crew of 3 (commander, gunner, driver) compared to the Leclerc's 3 (Commander, gunner, driver) crew members.
Which is more expensive, the Leclerc or T-72?
The Leclerc is more expensive at approximately $17.0 million per unit compared to the T-72 at $2.0 million.
Which has been built in greater numbers, the Leclerc or T-72?
The T-72 has been produced in greater numbers with 25,000 units compared to 862 units of the Leclerc.
What are the main armaments of the Leclerc and T-72?
The Leclerc is armed with GIAT CN120-26/52 120mm tank gun while the T-72 carries 125 mm 2A46M-5 smoothbore gun as its main armament.