In 1977, the French army's growing awareness of the AMX-30 B2's inadequacies led to the creation of a new specification known as the EPC, for french signification: Engin principal de combat. The purchase of foreign tanks, such as the American M1 Abrams, the German Leopard 2 or the Israeli Merkava, was considered but rejected.
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Similarly, in 1979, a combined program with Germany, based on the Leopard 2, came to nothing. The only solution left was to build a national model, and studies began in this direction.
Unlike other Western programs, the focus was on active rather than passive protection, in order to limit the vehicle's final weight. Particular attention was paid to mobility and fire control.
In 1986, the EPC was renamed the LECLERC by GIAT Industries, now known as NEXTER. They were assembled in Roanne until July 2008. The last of the 406 LECLERC tanks produced for the French army was delivered in October 2007.
The LECLERC program ended with the delivery of the last 17 tanks in 2007. A total of 406 tanks have been delivered to the French army, but the first series have been withdrawn from service as the equipment is no longer operational.
The current tanks are scheduled to remain in service until 2030. In the coming years, the LECLERC tank will be fitted with a stealth kit and increased protection against sniping.
20 DCL recovery tanks also delivered.
- Collection "Short Stories in 1/87" -
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and the Seasons of MEDEVAC 1/87
in English Version
----- in French Version -----
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