The Leclerc XLR is a fourth-generation French main battle tank (MBT) developed and manufactured by the Nexter division of KMW+Nexter Defense Systems (KNDS). It is a refit of the third-generation Leclerc tank with the addition of a turret-mounted remotely-operated 7.62mm caliber machine gun manufactured by Belgian company FN Herstal, additional modular armor on the turret and hull, and rear wire cage armor to protect the engine compartment against rocket propelled grenades.[1][2][3][4]
The components that mark this tank as fourth-generation are mostly electronic: networked architecture allowing an interface between the Thales tactical radio system, the NBC protection system, night vision equipment and the Atos-brand SCORPION Information and Command System (SICS) and associated display screens. The upgraded Leclerc comes with a counter-IED jammer, new man-machine interfaces for commander and gunner, redesigned main system computers, and a battle health monitoring system. The inertial navigation system and GPS navigation system are fused.[2][3][4][1]
- ^ a b Cite error: The named reference
renlecwas invoked but never defined (see the help page). - ^ a b "French army to receive 122 modernized Main Battle Tanks Leclerc XLR by 2025". Army Recognition. 31 October 2022.
- ^ a b "Nexter from France could propose modernized Leclerc tank for replacement of Indian T-72 MBTs". Army Recognition. 1 January 2022.
- ^ a b Malyasov, Dylan (15 June 2022). "French Leclerc tank is preparing for its biggest upgrade". Defence Blog.