Leclerc

The Leclerc main battle tank was conceived following studies initiated in 1964 for a successor to the AMX-30, known as the Engin Principal Prospectif. The Char Futur project commenced in 1971 due to the AMX-30's perceived inferiority against new Soviet tanks. After a Franco-German joint MBT development, dubbed Napoléon I in France, failed in 1982 due to disagreements, France proceeded with a national project, the "EPC" (Engin Principal de Combat), having rejected the importation of foreign tanks. The design philosophy prioritized active protection and mobility over sheer mass, aiming for significantly enhanced protection against KE-penetrators and shaped charges. The project was officially named "Leclerc" in 1986, honouring Marshal Philippe Leclerc de Hauteclocque, and six prototypes were rapidly developed. Mass production began in 1990, with initial batches undergoing improvements to address engine and suspension issues. Subsequent series introduced enhancements such as climate control, data systems, and upgraded thermal imaging. The tank entered French service in 1992. Future developments include the Main Ground Combat System (MGCS), a collaborative Franco-German project intended to eventually succeed both the Leclerc and Leopard 2. Modernization efforts such as the Leclerc XLR program are ongoing, and enhanced fourth-generation prototypes, the Leclerc Evolution and EMBT ADT140, have been presented.

The Leclerc is operated by a crew of three and features a GIAT CN120-26/52 120mm smoothbore main gun, distinguished by its 52-calibre length barrel which imparts a higher muzzle velocity to projectiles. This main armament is complemented by an autoloader capable of handling various NATO standard ammunition types and achieving a rapid rate of fire, enabling engagement of multiple targets per minute even while on the move. Secondary armaments include a 12.7 mm coaxial heavy machine gun and a 7.62 mm turret-mounted machine gun. Its sophisticated digital fire control system, operable by either the commander or gunner, integrates data from multiple sensors, including the gunner's stabilised sight and the commander's panoramic sight, facilitating hunter-killer operations. The ICONE TIS battle management system is integrated on later batches and has been retrofitted to earlier ones. Protection is afforded by modular composite armour, with the SXXI version incorporating titanium and semi-reactive layers for enhanced resilience, particularly against advanced anti-tank guided missiles and armour-piercing fin-stabilized discarding sabot rounds. Passive countermeasures include the Lacroix GALIX self-defence system. Propulsion is provided by an eight-cylinder SACM V8X-1500 Hyperbar diesel engine coupled with a SESM automatic transmission, endowing the tank with high mobility, a notable power-to-weight ratio, and rapid acceleration. The Hyperbar system, which integrates a gas turbine, also contributes to reducing the tank's infrared signature by minimizing visible smoke and controlling exhaust temperature. Its hydropneumatic suspension supports high cross-country speeds, and the tank possesses a considerable operational range, extendable with external fuel drums.

The Leclerc main battle tank entered service with the French Army in 1992, gradually replacing the AMX-30 as the nation's primary armoured platform. It is also operated by the United Arab Emirates Army, which acquired a significant number, and the Jordanian Army, which received tanks donated by the UAE. The French Army has deployed the Leclerc in various operations, including peacekeeping missions in Kosovo (KFOR) and South Lebanon (UNIFIL), where its performance was deemed satisfactory. Notably, Leclerc tanks of the United Arab Emirates have seen combat deployment in the Yemeni Civil War since 2015, providing valuable operational feedback. Reports from this conflict indicate instances of tanks being damaged by anti-tank mines and RPGs, with one tank hit by an ATGM resulting in crew casualties but no complete destruction of the vehicles. The Leclerc has also participated in international exercises, such as Iron Spear, and French Leclercs have been deployed to Romania as part of NATO's Mission Aigle, reinforcing the alliance's forward presence.

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