KNDS Continues E-MBT Development

Krauss-Maffei Wegmann and Nexter Defense Systems (KNDS) are continuing to develop the Enhanced Main Battle Tank (E-MBT) as an offering for the transition from current MBT technology to the land combat system of the future.

Three years after the Franco-German holding company KNDS was founded, the company unveiled a MBT at the Eurosatory 2018 defence technology fair, which was composed of the hull and chassis of a LEOPARD 2 and the turret of a LECLERC. The project is considered the young company’s first significant joint venture – financed with its own funds – and is a “true KNDS product”, Nexter said. During in-house testing, the E-MBT had proven the concept’s viability in driving and firing trials.

The ongoing joint development aims to present a prototype at Eurosatory 2022, with many components on the test bench, so the new prototype will have many significant technical differences in the LEOPARD 2 hull and LECLERC turret. The weight advantage is to be maintained.

The start of series production is targeted for 2025 which would make the E-MBT available as a transitional solution if an interim generation were necessary until the introduction of a new land combat system (MGCS) and would be an alternative for nations not interested in procuring MGCS.

Gerhard Heiming