The European defense company KNDS recently revealed the successful testing of the innovative ASCALON tank gun, which combines 140 mm and 120 mm calibers.
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The announcement was made on the company’s official X social media page, accompanied by a video showcasing the firepower of the new weapon.
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The tests included firing multipurpose shaped-charge rounds and sub-caliber armor-piercing fin-stabilized discarding sabot (APFSDS) rounds specifically developed for the ASCALON.
The video highlighted the ability to quickly switch the gun barrel between two calibers—140 mm and 120 mm—using the same breech. This versatility was demonstrated during the tests, in which the gun penetrated two reinforced concrete slabs separated by several meters.
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ASCALON Features
Developed by Nexter, now part of **KNDS** following a merger with Germany’s KMW, the ASCALON gun includes:
- Optional calibers: 120 mm with a record 58-caliber barrel length and 140 mm.
- Quick barrel change: performed in just 25 minutes.
- Compatibility with light platforms: can be mounted on vehicles weighing less than 50 tons.
- Reduced firing impact: advanced technologies allow safe use in urban areas with nearby infantry.
Future Applications
The ASCALON is a strategic project representing France’s contribution to the European MGCS (Main Ground Combat System) program, developed in partnership with Germany since 2017.
The goal is to replace Leopard 2 and Leclerc tanks with a next-generation model, with the first prototype expected by 2035.
Additionally, the gun can be installed on upgraded Leclerc Evolution tanks, extending its use in the short term.
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50 Years of Battlefield Relevance
KNDS ensures that the ASCALON will remain effective against armored threats for at least five decades. Its combination of versatility, power, and technological innovation positions the weapon as a milestone in the evolution of modern tank guns.
Source and images: X @knds_france / mil.in.ua. This content was created with AI assistance and reviewed by the editorial team.