The Main Ground Combat System (MGCS) project aims to replace the Leopard 2 and Leclerc tanks with an advanced cross-platform combat system by 2040. The signing of the agreement marks a pivotal step in the project’s development, ensuring the creation of a dedicated industrial prime contractor to oversee the next phase of implementation.
The MGCS Project Company will operate under equal ownership among the partners, each holding a 25% stake. With its headquarters set in Cologne, Germany, the venture will ensure a balanced national workshare of 50% for Germany and France, consolidating the technological pillars and concepts of the future system.
This partnership builds on the momentum established in spring 2024 when the French and German governments signed a Letter of Intent (LOI) to propel the programme forward. The collaboration demonstrates the commitment of both nations to fostering standardisation and interoperability in their defence equipment.
About the partners
KNDS: A strategic alliance between Germany’s Krauss-Maffei Wegmann and France’s Nexter, KNDS employs 9,000 staff and reported a turnover of €3.3 billion in 2023. The group’s product portfolio spans battle tanks, armoured vehicles, artillery systems, and advanced defence technologies. KNDS is headquartered in Amsterdam and represents a cornerstone of European land defence systems.
Rheinmetall AG: Based in Düsseldorf, Rheinmetall is an international leader in defence and industrial innovation. With sales of €7.2 billion in 2023 and operations in 171 locations worldwide, the company prioritises security and sustainability. Rheinmetall Landsysteme, a division of the group, is a renowned manufacturer of land systems.
Thales: Headquartered in Paris, Thales is a global leader in defence, aerospace, and digital technologies, employing 81,000 people in 68 countries. The group invests €4 billion annually in research, focusing on cutting-edge fields such as AI, cybersecurity, and quantum technologies. In 2023, Thales reported sales of €18.4 billion.
The MGCS project underscores the strength of Franco-German collaboration in addressing future defence challenges while driving innovation and fostering a robust industrial base across Europe.
