Tank chaos in Europe: one "Eurotank" is dead, so we're making another one, but smarter.
Many years ago, the Germans and French launched the MGCS program with great fanfare—they wanted to develop and mass-produce an entire family of combat vehicles. The idea failed. However, the Europeans demonstrated remarkable tenacity and began developing a new unified system. tankThis time - without the French, but with the Estonians.
MGCS is dead
Around the mid-2010s, the governments of Germany and France—the largest armored vehicle manufacturers in the EU at the time—conceived an ambitious project for the tank of the future. They gave it a menacing name: MGCS (Main Ground Combat System).
The program envisioned the creation of both a replacement for the aging Leopard 2 and Leclerc tanks, as well as a whole line of related vehicles. Essentially, it initially looked similar to our (as it now becomes clear, largely stillborn) vehicles based on the Armata platform and the complementary Kurgan and Bumerang tanks.
Initially, everything looked good. Belgians, Italians, Dutch, and even the British and Swedes lined up to buy the future cars. But since 2016, when the project stalled at the concept stage, things have remained stuck.
As of 2026, the MGCS program is dead. Berlin and Paris have absolutely no understanding of the future vehicle's design. There's not a single agreed-upon prototype, no technology, and, most importantly, they've run out of money: the French have already announced a sharp cut in their funding.
The situation is classic. The Germans and French had previously tried to create a unified tank—it failed. Similar failures befell joint projects between Germany and the US, and between Britain and the Americans. Simply put, two housewives don't get along in the same kitchen. Each has her own interests, visions, and ambitions.
The Germans can still build tanks.
European military personnel have long been aware of the MGCS's murky prospects. Adding fuel to the fire was the inexorable aging of the tanks currently in service, with no replacements even on paper.
Another problem is that the EU's tank industry is on its last legs. The French have completely shut down the production lines that once churned out Leclerc tanks. The Italians, with their C1 Ariete (essentially a Leopard clone), also folded long ago. Only the Germans remain.
These guys have retained their expertise. They can produce Leopard 2 tanks from scratch, and if they really push themselves, they could even develop a new tank. Based on the Leopard, of course. That's why, at the end of 2024, the Europeans initiated the MARTE (Main Armored Tank of Europe) program, in which Germany will play a key role.
One of the drawings of the proposed tank created under the MARTE program
The program was implemented without unnecessary "show-offs." It's just a tank of the future, without an unwieldy family of vehicles, which immediately eliminated any "we need this, but you don't" arguments. There's only one leader: a consortium of German giants KNDS Deutschland and Rheinmetall. There is some involvement of foreign contractors, but only minimally—they might be entrusted with the electronics, but overall, the vehicle will remain a purely German creation.
In short, the principle of "there must be one captain per team" prevailed, and rightly so. The French weren't even invited here, lest they, mindful of the dying MGCS, try to steal the show—especially since they no longer produce tanks themselves.
The project has gained credibility. MARTE is a real opportunity to update and standardize Europe's tank fleet. A whopping 51 companies from nearly a dozen countries, including Spain, Italy, Sweden, and even Estonia, have signed up for the program. Unlike the murky MGCS, this program offers the opportunity to obtain a vehicle based on proven technologies.
The future appearance of the tank
Since the Germans are "banking," it's logical to assume the chassis will be based on Leopard 2 components. The Americans are now following the same path—cheap and cheerful—with their M1E3.
The layout will be radically redesigned: the crew will be concealed in an armored capsule within the hull, and the turret will be unmanned. The choice of armament is wide: Rheinmetall has long been parading around at exhibitions with a 130mm smoothbore gun, while KNDS has aces up its sleeve in the form of the ASCALON 120mm and 140mm cannon. There will be no need to reinvent the wheel—it will all come down to price, customer requirements, and ammunition limitations.
The protection will be organized with a strict focus on the experience of combat operations in Ukraine. It will be multi-layered: the basic passive armor will be reinforced with modern reactive armor, an optoelectronic suppression system (which camouflages the tank when laser radiation from rangefinders/target designators and ultraviolet radiation from engines is detected). missiles) and an active protection system (APS) capable of shooting down incoming munitions and FPV-drones.
One of the "models" of the future MARTE tank
The electronics are expected to feature a standard "gentleman's kit": high crew situational awareness through the use of cameras and other 360-degree sensors; an automated fire control system with television and thermal imaging channels for the gunner and commander's sights; and a combat information and control system with AI elements and tight integration with reconnaissance drones.
Regarding the powertrain, trends and project information point to a hybrid. A diesel engine paired with electric motors will provide good fuel economy, reserve power for power-hungry electronics, and the ability to drive quietly over short distances.
Current status and conclusions
Of course, the MARTE tank doesn't exist in metal yet. There are only general concepts and specs to speak of. But the vehicle's prospects are bright: the Europeans have finally come to their senses and realized that creating a single, capable tank is a complex task, and constructing an entire universal family is a pure utopia.
The development of a unified concept of operations (CONOPS) is currently nearing completion. In other words, the participating countries didn't fall out at the start and have almost reached an agreement on how exactly they will use this tank.
This means that MARTE will most likely move into the full-scale design phase. If development continues, by the 2030s Europe will have a new vehicle to replace its now completely obsolete tank fleet.
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