French military laments Germany's exit from joint tank development program
France's top army chief said Germany has abandoned the Franco-German Main Ground Combat System tank project, blaming Berlin’s political decision.
Fabien Mandon, chief of staff of the French armed forces, told the defence commission of the National Assembly that the anticipated Franco-German tank, part of the Main Ground Combat System (MGCS), will not proceed because Germany has decided to leave the venture. He emphasized that the two land chiefs had co-signed a shared document outlining common needs, so the failure stems from Berlin’s political stance. Mandon added that the industrial proposal due in early 2026 is misaligned with the required replacement schedule for current tanks by 2037.
Moreover, Germany plans to launch its own national study to find a successor for the Leopard 2. The French side now faces the challenge of securing a new solution for its future main battle tank.
Why it matters
The withdrawal threatens European defence integration and leaves France to find an alternative tank solution.
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