French top general acknowledges Franco-German tank program failed
Major industrial program was dogged by years of delays, industrial disputes and political tensions.
Paris — France's top general, Fabien Mandon, disclosed on Thursday that the Franco-German next-generation battle tank program, known as the Main Combat Ground System, had failed. This marked the first public admission by a French official of the project's demise, following months of speculation about its future. During a hearing on next year's defense budget, General Mandon acknowledged to lawmakers that their hopes for a joint tank in collaboration with Germany had not been realized.
He stated, "The outcome isn't good. We had hoped to build a future tank in cooperation with the Germans, but unfortunately, we have to acknowledge that the Germans have withdrawn from the project." The MGCS, involving KNDS France, KNDS Germany, Rheinmetall, and Thales, has faced years of delays, industrial disputes, and political tensions.
Reports from June suggested the project was becoming increasingly unsuccessful. While General Mandon's admission came only a few months after the cancellation of another significant Franco-German defense industrial program, the Future Combat Air System, he defended the decision, calling it a "significant decision by Germany," but acknowledged it as "not a complete failure; it's an important decision by Germany."
He also assured that the land forces had worked together for several years to determine the future of the main battle tank. However, the project's industrial aspect was deemed unfavorable. A German defense official declined to comment on the matter.
Written by urgent.news from Politico EU's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
