KNDS presented the CAPINT during Eurosatory 2026, a new main battle tank designed to serve as a temporary solution for the French Army.
The vehicle comes in response to repeated delays in the Franco-German MGCS program, considered Europe’s future armored system, but now expected to enter service only in the 2040s. With France’s Leclerc tanks expected to be retired by 2038, Paris is looking for an alternative capable of filling this gap.
The CAPINT combines French and German technologies, using an unmanned turret equipped with the 120 mm ASCALON gun on a hull derived from the Leopard 2.
The project also includes the future integration of a 140 mm gun, technology originally intended for the MGCS.
One of the advantages of the current armament is its compatibility with all standard 120 mm ammunition used by NATO countries, simplifying logistics and reducing operating costs.
Among the highlights of the new armored vehicle are advanced crew protection, with soldiers positioned inside a frontal armored capsule, as well as passive, reactive and active defense systems.
The tank is also expected to incorporate modern features such as integrated artificial intelligence, anti-drone capability and joint operation with unmanned ground vehicles that will act as “robotic wingmen” on the battlefield.
The development of the CAPINT reflects Europe’s growing concern over the need to strengthen its armored forces in light of the lessons learned from the war in Ukraine. Although tanks have shown vulnerabilities against drones and precision weapons, the conflict has also reinforced the importance of protected and mobile firepower. If the CAPINT and the future German Leopard 3 prove effective, they could further reduce political and military interest in maintaining the ambitious MGCS program.
Focus CAPINT, le nouveau char by @KNDS_France pic.twitter.com/JhtT4A4Pdi
— KNDS France (@KNDS_France) June 15, 2026
Source and images: KNDS | This content was created with the help of AI and reviewed by the editorial team
