France, Germany try to save face on joint tank project

Defense ministers from France and Germany maintained on Friday that their joint tank project, the Main Ground Combat System (MGCS), is progressing despite earlier concerns raised by the French chief of defense staff. Catherine Vautrin, the Armed Forces Minister, reiterated that the project remains relevant and vital to Franco-German cooperation in land systems.

Her German counterpart, Boris Pistorius, echoed her sentiments, stating that the project is far from being terminated and is instead a cornerstone of their partnership. However, tensions rose when Gen. Fabien Mandon, the French chief of defense staff, claimed during a parliamentary session that Germany had withdrawn from the MGCS.

Following his comments, Mandon issued a written statement attempting to downplay the issue, suggesting the project would only be delayed until the late 2040s. The MGCS, a collaboration between KNDS France, KNDS Germany, Rheinmetall, and Thales, has faced numerous delays, industrial disputes, and political tensions in recent years.

Politico reported in June that France and Germany might develop separate tanks. Now, Pistorius has affirmed that the two countries will still collaborate on unmanned systems and automated processing. The German minister emphasized that the MGCS will not suffer the same fate as the collapsed joint next-generation fighter jet program, the Future Combat Air System.

He stressed that valuable lessons will be learned from past mistakes, ensuring the MGCS remains an important future project for France and Germany. Despite these assurances, the MGCS saga underscores the strained defense relationship between Paris and Berlin, prompting calls from some French lawmakers for Paris to seek alternative partners.

They argue that defense cooperation with Germany is at an all-time low, citing Germany's unilateral approach.