Leclerc vs T-72

Overview

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.
Profile of Leclerc
Origin country ๐Ÿ‡ซ๐Ÿ‡ท 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.
Profile of T-72
Origin country ๐Ÿ‡จ๐Ÿ‡ณ 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 โ—‰
Maximum speed 71 km/h โ—‰
Operational range 650 km โ—‰
Length 9.87 m โ—‰
Width 3.60 m โ—‰
Height 2.53 m โ—‰
Crew 3 (Commander, gunner, driver)
Engine V8X SACM (Wรคrtsilรค) 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 โ—‰
Maximum speed 60 km/h โ—‰
Operational range 500 km โ—‰
Length 9.73 m โ—‰
Width 3.59 m โ—‰
Height 2.23 m โ—‰
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.