The French Ministry of Armed Forces’ Directorate General of Armament (DGA) announced on December 24, 2024, the order for the renovation of 100 additional Leclerc XLR tanks, bringing the total number of upgraded tanks to 200. This new order follows previous orders made in 2021 and 2022, each involving 50 units. Additionally, the 34th renovated Leclerc XLR tank was delivered to the French Army on December 10, 2024, including 21 units for the year 2024.
The renovation work is being carried out at the KNDS France facility in Roanne, located in the Loire region. These upgrades are intended to extend the service life of the Leclerc tank until the introduction of the future Main Ground Combat System (MGCS). Under the 2024-2030 Military Programming Law (LPM), the French Army plans to renovate 160 Leclerc tanks by the end of 2030, with another 40 units scheduled for renovation by 2035.
The Leclerc XLR tanks will be equipped with advanced systems to improve their operational capabilities. Among these improvements is the integration of SCORPION program technologies, which enable real-time exchange of tactical data with other vehicles in the SCORPION program, such as the Griffon, Jaguar, and Serval. The tanks will be equipped with the latest generation Combat Information System (SICS), software-defined CONTACT radios, and GPS systems, making them an integral part of a modern, interconnected combat network.