Leading European countries are modernizing their existing main battle tanks, and are also going to create a fundamentally new armored vehicle. The leading role in these processes is assigned to the newly created company KMW + Nexter Defense Systems (KNDS), capable of combining the technical, engineering and organizational capabilities of France and Germany. The company has already completed some works and plans to continue them.
New player on the market
The German-French joint venture was formed in 2015 by combining two existing organizations. It included the German firm Krauss-Maffei Wegmann and the French Nexter Defense Systems. The headquarters of the new enterprise was founded in the Netherlands Amsterdam. Initially, the company was called KANT (KMW And Nexter Together), but then received the current name KNDS.
By combining two large defense enterprises, it was proposed to solve a wide range of problems of various kinds. First of all, it was planned to ensure the combination of the technical experience of Germany and France in order to more efficiently develop new models. In addition, the work of KNDS is not impeded by the restrictions on military exports imposed by the German authorities. Several other benefits are also expected.
Even before the actual merger, KMW and Nexter were engaged in several joint projects, and the creation of KNDS simplified such work. Opportunities have also appeared for drawing up far-reaching plans. Currently, the German-French company is engaged in projects for the further modernization of the Leopard 2 MBT, and is also experimenting with the use of available equipment. In parallel, promising MBT MGCS and ACS CIFS are being developed.
Based on existing samples
KNDS is working on the modernization of existing tanks. The focus is on the German Leopard-2. The German part of the joint venture is modernizing the Bundeswehr tanks under the Leopard 2A7 + project. In the future, armored vehicles of the armies of Qatar and Hungary will undergo the same update. New overseas orders are expected.
In parallel, the development of the next project for the modernization of the tank is underway, aimed at increasing the main characteristics and combat qualities. It is argued that this version of the Leopard 2 is being created taking into account the modern threat in the form of the Russian T-14 tank. It is planned to improve the means of protection, both included in the design of the tank, and additional. Also requires updating and improving weapons. The emergence of real results in this direction is expected in the first half of the next decade.
Last year, at the Eurosatory 2018 exhibition, they showed an interesting technology demonstrator - the European Main Battle Tank. This vehicle is based on the Leopard 2A7 chassis and is equipped with a turret from the French Leclerc tank. This MBT showed the ability of KNDS members to work together and integrate existing projects. At the same time, interesting results were obtained.
The EMBT received a relatively light Leclerc turret with a 120mm gun and automatic loader. This made it possible to lighten the car and obtain a carrying capacity of 6 tons. Thanks to this, the chassis slightly increases its running characteristics or can carry additional equipment without loss in parameters. In terms of overall combat effectiveness, EMBT is at least as good as two basic armored vehicles.
"European MBT" is considered exclusively as a prototype and technology demonstrator. Nevertheless, some foreign countries are interested in such a machine in the context of possible rearmament.
Tank MGCS
In parallel with the development of existing MBTs, a search for the appearance of a promising armored vehicle is underway. The tank of the future is being created as part of the MGCS (Main Ground Combat System) program, designed for a long time. Serial production of such tanks is planned to be deployed no earlier than 2030 in the interests of the armies of Germany, France and, possibly, some other countries.
It should be noted that while the MGCS program is at the stage of research work and the search for optimal solutions. The final appearance of the tank has not yet been formed, and therefore a variety of options, including bold ones, are offered. Both classic tank designs and fundamentally new versions of combat vehicles with similar functions are offered.
In the published materials on MGCS, different options for the appearance of the future MBT are given. In all cases, the use of a tracked armored chassis is proposed, but its different designs are envisaged. Some variants resemble modern tanks, such as the Leopard 2, while others look futuristic and have features uncharacteristic of current technology.
In general, it is proposed to build the chassis for the MGCS with the use of combined armor and additional protection of one kind or another. It is possible to use the traditional layout or other solutions, such as placing the crew in an isolated capsule. All these ideas and proposals are to be studied and the optimal ones for introduction into a future technical project are to be identified.
MGCS will be equipped with an armament turret. The use of manned or automated fighting compartments is proposed. Several variants of the main armament with caliber from 105 to 140 mm are being studied. KNDS members have already completed some weapons research. So, the German industry created and tested a promising 130 mm tank gun, and the French company Nexter experimented with a 140 mm caliber.
Radio-electronic means will play a special role in the new project. The use of a crew capsule makes special demands on surveillance systems, and an uninhabited tower needs appropriate automation. In addition, MBT MGCS should be integrated into advanced command and control systems.
How exactly the MGCS tank will look is unclear. However, from the published data, it follows that KNDS plans to apply the newest and most daring solutions that will allow you to get an outstanding result. Tanks of the new type will serve in the middle of the XXI century, and they will have to meet the requirements of that time. The final look of the MGCS should be formed in the near future. Probably, the developer will immediately reveal its main features.
ACS CIFS
In parallel with the MGCS tank, an artillery self-propelled gun CIFS (Common Indirect Fire System) will be created, designed to replace the existing samples of its class. KNDS plans to unify the ACS with MBT as much as possible, or even build it on the basis of a tank chassis. Thus, the current research and development work is laying the foundation for two projects at once.
Unfortunately, there is still less open data about the CIFS ACS than about the MGCS MBT. This is probably due to the fact that the development company is now paying more attention to a promising tank. Despite its importance, the self-propelled gun project turns out to be secondary, and in addition, its creation directly depends on the development of the tank.
According to the published data, the combat module will be mounted on the MGCS chassis or unified base. The possibility of creating a fully automatic uninhabited tower is being considered. The main weapon of the self-propelled guns will be a promising howitzer cannon with automatic loading. Most likely, the current caliber of 155 mm will be retained. The gun will be linked to advanced fire control systems.
New ammunition for various purposes will be developed specifically for the CIFS. Of particular importance are promising guided projectiles with increased accuracy and increased range. The possibility of using a modular propellant charge and other relevant developments is not excluded.
Prototypes of the CIFS will appear later than the unified prototype tanks. The same goes for serial production. The first self-propelled guns of the new type will go to the customer no earlier than 2040. The Bundeswehr will be the starting customer, as planned. In its fleet of self-propelled artillery CIFS will be supplemented by cash PzH 2000. France can also purchase such equipment. KNDS is interested in other orders from third countries.
Creators of the future
Until recently, KMW and Nexter played a large role in the European defense industry. After the establishment of the joint venture KNDS, the situation did not change significantly. At the same time, two large companies were able to optimize interaction and bypass existing restrictions.
In the coming years, the German-French company will retain its influence in Europe. A number of countries are armed with the Leopard 2 MBT, and KNDS offers several options for their modernization. In addition, its prototype EMBT caught the attention of potential buyers. Competently responding to the requests and wishes of third countries, KNDS can earn substantial sums and maintain an advantageous position in the international market for armored combat vehicles.
In the thirties, KNDS is going to put two promising models of armored vehicles into series at once - the MGCS tank and the CIFS self-propelled gun. These machines may be of interest not only to Germany and France, which will allow the development company to maintain or strengthen its position in the market.
Thus, the KNDS company claims to be the leading position and is quite capable of taking them. She takes into account the requirements of the current time and is engaged in promising developments. In the near future, new results of work may appear, which will make it possible to more accurately assess its potential in the distant future.
