Mid-life upgrade of France's Leclerc main battle tank under the SCORPION programme, bringing it into the connected battlespace. Retains the GIAT CN120-26 120mm smoothbore gun firing OFL 120 F2 APFSDS rounds with autoloader providing a rate of fire of 12 rounds per minute. The XLR upgrade adds SCORPION vetronics including the SICS combat information system, new commander and gunner sights with third-generation thermal imaging, CONTACT radio, IFF, and a Thales laser warning system. Additional belly armor and mine protection kits address IED threats. Weight increased to approximately 58 tonnes. 200 tanks to be upgraded from 2026 with deliveries accelerating.
![Krauss-Maffei Wegmann (KNDS) logo](data:image/svg+xml;utf8,<svg xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg" width="200" height="60" viewBox="0 0 200 60"><rect width="200" height="60" fill="%23111"/><text x="100" y="38" font-family="Arial" font-weight="bold" font-size="22" fill="%23c8a84b" text-anchor="middle">KMW</text></svg>)
- XLR upgrade adds battle management system and improved C2 connectivity
- CLARA ERA package improves protection against tandem-charge warheads
- Unique hybrid diesel/gas turbine Hyperbar engine — high power density
- Autoloader provides 3-man crew vs 4-man Leopard 2/Abrams
- Optics and sight system upgraded to Paseo standard with thermal generation 3
- Complex Hyperbar engine requires specialized maintenance training
- Autoloader has historically had reliability concerns
- Expensive — highest cost MBT per unit vs peers
- Small fleet (200) relative to Germany/UK Leopard operations
- APS not yet integrated despite provision — adds combat risk
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SIGN INThe hull form indicates a deliberate choice for sea-keeping over sprint speed — correct priorities for sustained operations.
Anti-ship missile defense integration at this displacement represents a doctrinal commitment to area defense.