New main battle tank concept developed by France and Germany

The next generation of the main battle tank of the EMBT Enhanced Main Battle Tank demonstration model, developed jointly by the French company NEXTER Defense Systems and the German company KMW (Krauss-Maffei Wegmann) as part of KNDS.

EMBT (Enhanced Main Battle Tank) Nexter of France and KMW (Krauss Maffei Wegmann of Germany) developed a new concept of main battle tank (MBT) using the mobility of the German Leopard 2 tank and the firepower of the French Leclerc. It also brings together the latest technology and innovation to counter new threats on the battlefield.

The design of the EMBT is very unique and consists of a crew of four with two people in the turret including the tank commander and gunner and two people up front including the driver and combat operator.

The EMBT is armed with a 120mm L52 smoothbore gun capable of firing all standard NATO 120mm ammunition, coupled with an autoloader system with 22 rounds ready to fire. The second armament of the EMBT includes one 12.7 mm coaxial machine gun mounted to the left of the main armament. The roof of the tower is equipped with a remote weapon station, armed with one 7.62-mm machine gun, installed in the front left part of the tower, which is connected to the commander's sight. Mounted at the rear of the turret is a single 30mm ARX 30 automatic cannon, also developed by the French company Nexter System.

The EMBT turret has been designed to allow integration of the new ASCALON cannon and ammunition concept, which consists of a new generation 140mm weapon system.

In terms of protection, the EMBT is equipped with the latest generation of passive and active armor, as well as the Israeli TROPHY APS (active protection system) and E-LAWS LWS (laser warning system) developed by the Israeli company Elbit Systems. The sides of the turret are also equipped with an 80-mm GALIX launcher developed by the French company Lacroix, which is able to hide the tank from an approaching threat and protect the tank.

Using a Leopard 2 chassis, the EMBT offers a high level of off-road mobility and can reach a top speed of 65 km/h. The tank is equipped with a German MTU 883 EPP engine with an HP 1500 power. and has a maximum power reserve of 460 km.
The tank has a combat weight of 61.5 tons, a length of 10.45 m, a width of 3.85 m and a height of 3.24 m.