What You Need to Know: Germany and France are collaborating on the development of the Leopard 3 Main Battle Tank (MBT) as part of the Main Ground Combat System (MGCS) program, aiming to revolutionize European tank warfare.

The Leopard 3, expected by the late 2020s or early 2030s, will feature unmanned turrets, advanced AI systems, and a powerful 140mm cannon for unprecedented range and accuracy.

While this joint project could enhance European defense interoperability, reports suggest Germany may reconsider its partnership with France, potentially developing the Leopard 3 independently.

The project underscores the shifting dynamics in European military cooperation.

The Leopard-3 Might Be Developed By Both Germany and France

Germany’s Leopard series of Main Battle Tank sits amid the best armored warfare platforms in the world. Indeed, it might be the most advanced indigenously produced tank in Europe. 

As the name suggests, the Leopard 2 is a vital enhancement of the original Leopard 1 that was built by the Germans in the 1960s. Recognizing the need for yet another round of evolution in their MBT fleet, Berlin appears less interested in totally replacing the Leopard line of MBTs. Instead, it appears as though Germany might be intent on again upgrading the Leopard with the unofficially titled “Leopard 3” MBT.

France and Germany are the twin pillars of the European Union. These two European states also form a vital team for overall indigenous European security. Because of this, there has been great movement toward the creation of the so-called Main Ground Combat System (MGCS).

What is the Main Ground Combat System? 

MGCS is a proposed collaboration between Paris and Berlin for the creation of a next-generation MBT. Some have suggested that this represents the aspirations of the Leopard-3 system. 

For example, the MGCS seeks to incorporate unmanned turrets, advanced artificial intelligence, and other advanced propulsion systems. Interestingly, the French and Germans danced around each other for at least five years before coming to an agreement to jointly develop what many are referring to as the Leopard 3.

One of the biggest upgrades (that the Europeans are keeping quiet about) is the size of the proposed unmanned cannon. It will be a whopping 140 mm, if all goes to plan. This tank, which is believed to take to the battlefields in the late 2020s or early 2030s, will have unprecedented range with this weapon. Thanks to AI, it will have extraordinary accuracy. 

The proposed Leopard 3 will have a smaller crew of three, down from the Leopard 2’s four. Further, the combination of both German and French defense contractors only increases interoperability among two of the most powerful and important countries in Europe.

There remains little information on this joint venture. Indeed, as noted above, there was real hesitance from Berlin and Paris to enter a joint-development agreement on this project. They ultimately agreed. 

But some German media sources have reported that Berlin is looking for a way out of what some believe to be a cumbersome agreement with France. Berlin would focus instead on developing a German tank exclusively by and for Germany.

Germany Doesn’t Need France to Build a “PowerPoint Panzer”

If there is one thing Berlin knows how to do militarily it’s how to build proper tanks. The need to include the French in this project was likely smart in the beginning. It would undoubtedly cut down on overall program costs and, as mentioned earlier, would enhance interoperability among German allies in NATO.

At the same time, though, Germany needs to streamline production of the proposed new Leopard 3. Berlin also needs to start better distancing itself from its so-called allies, who seem intent on bogging the most powerful European economy down in a pointless war with raging Russia.

Germany needs a new MBT. 

Berlin should figure out the fastest route to achieving this goal and go with it. There is no guarantee that the French will even be able to meet the needs of Germany in this area. Contrary to popular opinion in Western capitals, Europe is dividing and pushing away from the post-1991 consensus.  

Germany will need to chart its own course far better than it has since the Second World War. One way to do that would be with the Leopard 3 being indigenously developed and produced. 

Author Experience and Expertise: Brandon J. Weichert

Brandon J. Weichert, a National Interest national security analyst, is a former Congressional staffer and geopolitical analyst who is a contributor at The Washington Times, the Asia Times, and The-Pipeline. He is the author of Winning Space: How America Remains a Superpower, Biohacked: China’s Race to Control Life, and The Shadow War: Iran’s Quest for Supremacy. His next book, A Disaster of Our Own Making: How the West Lost Ukraine, is due October 22 from Encounter Books. Weichert can be followed via Twitter @WeTheBrandon.

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