KNDS France introduced the Leclerc XLR, the latest modernized version of the Leclerc main battle tank, at the IDEX 2025 Fair held in Abu Dhabi, the capital of the United Arab Emirates (UAE). The Leclerc tank, an important part of France’s defense strategy in the Middle East, also represents a new step in its defense export offensive in this region. As one of France’s most important defense products, the Leclerc XLR aims to further consolidate its strong military ties in the Middle East.
Deepening Defense Relations with the UAE
The UAE stands out as one of two countries that have the Leclerc tank in its inventory. France aims to deepen defense cooperation in the region by introducing the modernized XLR version of the Leclerc tanks within the framework of its strong defense cooperation with the UAE. The Leclerc XLR plays a critical role for an important ally with more than 350 Leclerc tanks in the UAE’s inventory. This introduction is part of France’s efforts to increase its influence in the defense market by providing high-performance solutions for armored forces in the region.
The close relations between the UAE and France have been strengthened in recent years with the €16 billion Rafale fighter jet deal. In this context, the Leclerc XLR tank exhibited at the IDEX 2025 Fair could make a significant contribution to the UAE’s strategies to modernize its armored forces.
Features and Expanding Capabilities of Leclerc XLR
The Leclerc XLR was redesigned as part of the French Army’s SCORPION Program to meet modern combat needs. One of the tank’s most striking innovations is its improved firepower. While retaining the 120 mm smoothbore gun of its predecessor, the Leclerc XLR is capable of firing new-generation programmable ammunition. This feature significantly increases the tank’s effectiveness against a variety of targets, making it more effective against enemy armored vehicles, infantry, and fortified positions.
The Leclerc XLR’s defensive capabilities have also been significantly strengthened. Modular armor packages increase the tank’s resistance to kinetic and explosive threats, while the anti-RPG protection kit improves its survivability in urban combat. In addition, the tank’s Galix active protection system increases the tank’s survivability with smoke screens and countermeasures to evade enemy targeting systems.
Advanced Command and Control Systems
The Leclerc XLR is also equipped with new combat information systems under the SCORPION Program. The new combat information system (CIC) and the joint combat information system under the SCORPION Program allow the tank to work in harmony with all units on the battlefield. These developments increase the tank’s ability to make faster and more effective decisions, allowing it to gain greater advantages on the battlefield.
Future Perspective and Regional Impact
France aims to make its Leclerc XLR and other modern armored vehicles an attractive option for defense cooperation in the Middle East. This cooperation with the UAE is an important part of France’s strategy to increase its defense exports in the region. In addition, the introduction of the Leclerc XLR will contribute to France’s security strategies in the Middle East and increase cooperation opportunities with other countries in the region.
The Leclerc XLR tank exhibited by KNDS France at IDEX 2025 stands out as an important step towards strengthening defense cooperation between France and the UAE and increasing its influence in the Middle East. This development has become an important factor shaping defense strategies in the region.
