Nexter Systems has been notified of a contract to renovate France’s Leclerc tanks and DCL recovery vehicles, the French Defence Procurement Agency (DGA) said on 12 March.

This order is the third operation launched under the French Ministry of Defence’s Scorpion programme, which aims to modernise the French Army’s contact forces.

The $349.13 million contract will see the delivery of 200 renovated Leclerc tanks and 18 renovated DCL recovery vehicles from 2020. It also aims to maintain this renovated capacity beyond 2040.

The renovations will enable the Leclerc to use its mobility and firepower within the future Scorpion joint tactical groups. Specific interfaces have been developed for the new Contact tactical radio system and the Scorpion information and command system. These developments will enable the tanks to network with all components of the Scorpion joint tactical groups.

The Leclerc tank will also get specific armour kits to upgrade its protection and deal with improvised explosive devices and other new threats. The third-generation tank developed by Nexter Systems gives the French land forces first entry capability in an international coalition.

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