With the contract on a system architecture definition study concluded between industry and the Federal Office of Bundeswehr Equipment, Information Technology and In-Service Support (BAAINBw) the future German-French decisive ground combat system called Main Ground Combat System (MGCS) has reached its next milestone. After the Framework and Implementing Agreements were signed by the Defense Ministers of Germany and France, the focus is now the contract with the ARGE consortium of industrial partners consisting of Krauss-Maffei Wegmann, Nexter Systems and Rheinmetall Land System.
Nationally-selected concepts are being harmonized to develop a common multi-platform system architecture. The first part of the study is to be completed within 20 months.The contract is concluded between the participating ARGE companies and – representing both Germany and France – the Federal Office of Bundeswehr Equipment, Information Technology and In-Service Support (BAAINBw). The contract is equally co-funded by Germany and France, and German companies on one side and French company have also equally shared the workshare.
Given the significance of the joint project, a festive signature ceremony would have been most appropriate. But as with the Framework and Implementing Agreement, this contract cannot be signed in person due to the coronavirus situation. Even such a landmark project must now be signed via mail. Industry companies Krauss-Maffei Wegmann, Nexter Systems and Rheinmetall Land System were the first ones to sign. After that, BAAINBw received the documents for signature. This kicks off the system architecture study for MGCS.
In accordance with the agreement between the two partner nations, only Germany / BAAINBw as the lead nation was to sign. Replacement for the German Leopard 2 and the French Leclerc main battle tanks.The MGCS project which is implemented under German lead will replace the German Leopard 2 and the French Leclerc main battle tanks in the mid-2030’s. With this project, Germany and France are sending a strong signal of European defense cooperation. Things are now progressing fast with the MGCS.
