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Nexter, a company of KNDS, and Safran to develop two new sights for the renovated Leclerc tank
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- Nexter, a company of KNDS, and Safran Electronics & Defense have been notified by the French MOD’s procurement and technology agency (DGA) of a contract for the modernization of the sights of the renovated Leclerc tank (Leclerc XLR).
- The "observation" function of the Leclerc XLR will be brought to the latest standard, notably thanks to the PASEO sight, to meet the most severe requirements of the modern battlefield.
The strengthening an essential capability of the Leclerc tank
The temporary company grouping (GME) comprising Nexter, a company of KNDS, and Safran Electronics & Defense has been notified by the DGA of a contract for the development and integration of the new sights for the tank commander and gunner. These sights are the two main observation and engagement systems of the Leclerc tank, allowing the crew to detect, identify, and target an object several kilometres away before engaging it. These sights benefit from the latest optronic and inertial technologies, drawing on over 30 years of expertise from Safran Electronics & Defense and the global references of the PASEO sight.
New digital sights
Following technical negotiations with the DGA teams, Nexter and Safran Electronics & Defense are strengthening the "observation" function in light of the new threats on the battlefield. The optronic core of the Leclerc tank's weapon system is digitized to increase the data flow and provide high-quality images in all conditions. The analogue video system of the Leclerc tank is replaced by a digital video system. The gunner's sight is modernized with latest-generation optronic sensors and new electronics. Meanwhile, the commander's sight is replaced by a latest-generation PASEO sight designed for panoramic observation and engagement in all conditions. The PASEO family already provides the same functions on the armoured vehicle JAGUAR. For the commander's scope, OPT-Sys, a company of KNDS, provides the digital monocular that serves as the interface between the tank commander and the PASEO sight.
An enhancement for the Leclerc XLR
Equipped with SCORPION vetronics, reinforced protection, a new remotely operated turret, and these latest-generation sights, the Leclerc XLR will be able to face all threats until their successors enter service. These Leclerc XLR have been in production since the beginning of 2023, and all of these tanks will be delivered with their modernized sights by 2035.
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About KNDS
KNDS (KMW+NEXTER Defense Systems) is the result of the combination of Krauss-Maffei Wegmann and Nexter, two of Europe's leading manufacturers of military land systems based in Germany and France. KNDS is a group of around 9,000 employees, with sales of 3.2 billion euros by 2022, an order backlog of around 11 billion euros and order intake of 3.4 billion euros. Its product range includes tanks, armored vehicles, artillery systems, weapon systems, ammunition, military bridges, customer services, information and command systems, training solutions, protection solutions and a wide range of equipment. The creation of KNDS marks the beginning of the consolidation of the land defence systems industry in Europe. The strategic alliance between KMW and Nexter strengthens the competitiveness and international positioning of both groups, as well as their ability to meet the needs of their respective national armies. In addition, it offers European and NATO customers the possibility of greater standardisation and interoperability for their defense equipment, with a reliable industrial base. KNDS is headquartered in Amsterdam.
About Safran
Safran is an international high-technology group operating in the aviation (propulsion, equipment and interiors), defense and space markets. Its core purpose is to contribute to a safer, more sustainable world, where air transport is more environmentally friendly, comfortable and accessible. Safran has a global presence, with 83,000 employees and sales of 19.0 billion euros in 2022, and holds, alone or in partnership, world or regional leadership positions in its core markets. Safran is listed on the Euronext Paris stock exchange and is part of the CAC 40 and Euro Stoxx 50 indices.
Safran Electronics & Defense is an international company with 10,000 employees, built on proven expertise in technologies that underpin sovereignty. By combining human and artificial intelligence, the company develops the products and services that empower aerospace and defense players to observe, decide and guide. Safran Electronics & Defense also supports fellow Safran companies by sharing its state-of-the-art electronics skills and expertise.
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