In June 2021 of the year, after receiving a contract to design a new car six years earlier, Nexter Systems received an order for 50 "updated" (that is, brought to the XLR standard) Leclerc tanks.
As stated in Opex360, This modernization consists of equipping Leclerc with equipment, necessary for conducting network-centric combat, including Scorpion combat information system [SICS] and radio station Contact; in improving protection against mines and anti-tank missiles (however, without installing KAZ); improvement of the management system; adaptation to the use of ammunition with a programmable fuse; placement of a remotely controlled 7.62 mm turret.
first 18 Leclerc XLR should be delivered within this year. Formally, two cars were ready in June last year, but they were used for testing. Only recently the 501st Tank Regiment, based in Mourmelon-le-Grand, received my first copy.
The first updated Leclerc tank [XLR] arrived at the 501st Regiment. This is the first fourth generation tank with an innovative weapon system. It is a powerful coercive tool.- noted in the department.
However, the military department did not comment on this delivery., because there is nothing special to brag about. AT 2024 year it was planned to contract the modernization of a new batch of tanks of one hundred vehicles, however, the shipment of the first order has just begun.
In total, it is expected to improve 160 units to 2030 years and more 40 to 2035 of the year, thus receiving 200 improved MBT later 20 years after the official launch of this program.
The presence of standard Leclerc tanks and updated Leclerc vehicles in the troops will continue after 2030 of the year. This program costs us €50 million a year- said one of the deputies.
