Key Points and Summary – In a comparison of two of Europe’s most advanced main battle tanks, the British Challenger 3 and the French Leclerc are closely matched.
-The lighter Leclerc holds a slight edge in mobility due to its higher power-to-weight ratio and a faster rate of fire from its autoloader.
-However, the new Challenger 3 holds the advantage in survivability, featuring superior modular armor with second-generation Chobham composite armor and the option to add a Trophy Active Protection System.
-The Challenger 3’s superior protection and electronics give it a slight edge over the Leclerc.
Challenger 3 vs. France’s Leclerc Tank: Who Wins?
The Challenger 3 and the Leclerc Main Battle Tank are among the top 10 most advanced tanks in the world. Both are fine vehicles that blend firepower, mobility, and survivability. But how do the two tanks stack up against each other?
The Challenger 3 is the newest tank from the U.K., while the Leclerc has been constantly upgraded over the past decades and is a fearsome opponent on the battlefield.
Intro to the Challenger 3
The Challenger 3 is a British fourth-generation main battle tank (MBT) developed by Rheinmetall BAE Systems Land (RBSL), a joint venture between the UK’s BAE Systems and Germany’s Rheinmetall AG. It is an upgraded version of the Challenger 2, designed to address the need for modernization and extended service life. The British Ministry of Defence initiated the Challenger 2 Life Extension Programme (LEP) to maintain the tank’s competitiveness until the 2030s.
The Challenger 3 weighs approximately 66 tons and is operated by a crew of four: commander, gunner, loader, and driver. Its main armament is a 120mm Rheinmetall L55A1 smoothbore gun, replacing the Challenger 2’s rifled gun.
This change aligns the Challenger 3 with other NATO tanks, enhancing ammunition compatibility. The secondary armament includes a coaxial 7.62mm L8A2 machine gun and a 7.62mm L37A2 machine gun at the commander’s cupola.
The tank is powered by a Perkins CV12-9A V12 diesel engine, producing between 1,200 and 1,500 horsepower, and features a David Brown Santasalo TN54E epicyclic transmission. Its suspension system is the Horstman third-generation Hydrogas. The Challenger 3 is equipped with a new modular armor system incorporating second-generation Chobham armor over the frontal arc.
Technologically, the Challenger 3 features an all-new turret with an improved hull design. The integration of advanced modular armor systems enhances the tank’s survivability against anti-tank guided missiles (ATGMs) and kinetic rounds. The tank also includes advanced fire control systems and sensors, improving target acquisition and engagement capabilities.
Intro to the Leclerc
On the other hand, the Leclerc Main Battle Tank is a third-generation French main battle tank developed by Nexter Systems. Named after Marshal Philippe Leclerc de Hauteclocque, it entered service in 1992, replacing the AMX-30.
The Leclerc is known for its advanced technology and has been in service with the French Army and the United Arab Emirates Army.
The Leclerc weighs approximately 57.4 tons in its Series XXI version, making it lighter than the Challenger, and is operated by a crew of three: commander, gunner, and driver. Its main armament is a GIAT CN120-26/52 120mm smoothbore gun. The turret features an automatic loader, allowing a high rate of fire (10-12 rounds per minute).
The secondary armament includes a coaxial 12.7mm M2HB machine gun and a 7.62mm machine gun. The tank is powered by a V8X SACM (Wärtsilä) 8-cylinder diesel engine, producing 1,500 horsepower, and features an automatic SESM transmission.
Its suspension system is hydropneumatics, providing a smooth ride on even the roughest terrain. The Leclerc is equipped with modular composite armor, including titanium and semi-reactive layers in the SXXI version.
The Leclerc incorporates advanced fire control systems and sensors, providing high effectiveness in various combat scenarios. The tank’s automatic loader and optimized fire computer equipment enhance its firepower and operational efficiency. The Leclerc XLR upgrade program aims to further modernize the tank with improved armor and electronics.
Analyzing the Challenger 3 and the Leclerc
When comparing firepower, both tanks feature powerful 120mm smoothbore guns. The Challenger 3’s Rheinmetall L55A1 gun is an upgraded version used by other NATO tanks, ensuring compatibility and effectiveness.
The Leclerc’s GIAT CN120-26/52 gun, coupled with its automatic loader, offers a high rate of fire. Both tanks are evenly matched in terms of firepower; however, the Leclerc’s automatic loader provides a slight edge in rapid engagement scenarios.
In terms of protection, the Challenger 3’s modular armor system, including second-generation Chobham armor, offers excellent protection against modern threats. The Leclerc’s modular composite armor, with titanium and semi-reactive layers, also provides robust protection.
Determining which tank has superior survivability is difficult without access to the classified data on its armor. On paper, the Challenger 3 appears to have superior composite armor compared to the Leclerc.
The Challenger 3 can also be fitted with the Trophy Active Protection System, which further boosts its survivability.
Regarding mobility, the Challenger 3 is powered by a Perkins CV12-9A V12 diesel engine, providing up to 1,500 horsepower. The Leclerc’s V8X SACM engine also produces 1,500 horsepower.
The Leclerc has a higher power-to-weight ratio (27.52 hp/ton) compared to the Challenger 3 (22.7 hp/ton), offering slightly better mobility and speed.
The Leclerc’s hydropneumatic suspension further enhances its mobility in various terrains.
Both tanks are equipped with advanced fire control systems and sensors. The Challenger 3’s integration of NATO-compatible systems and modular armor enhancements reflects its modernization efforts.
The Leclerc’s automatic loader and optimized fire computer equipment provide high operational efficiency. The Leclerc XLR upgrade further enhances its capabilities. Again, it is difficult to judge exactly which tank comes out on top in this arena.
Without insider knowledge of both tanks, it is impossible to say which tank is better.
Which Tank Comes out on Top?
Choosing which tank is better is a difficult decision. The Leclerc offers a better rate of fire as well as slightly better mobility. The Challenger 3, on the other hand, offers better protection and better internal electronics.
The Challenger 3 slightly edges out the Leclerc in this competition. Its superior protection and awareness make it more suited to face the challenges of modern warfare.
About the Author: Isaac Seitz
Isaac Seitz, a Defense Columnist, graduated from Patrick Henry College’s Strategic Intelligence and National Security program. He has also studied Russian at Middlebury Language Schools and has worked as an intelligence Analyst in the private sector.
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