View source for Leclerc tank

{{Use British English|date=February 2025}}
{{Infobox weapon
| name               = Leclerc
| image              = Leclerc-openphotonet PICT6015.JPG
| image_size         = 300
| caption            = Leclerc tank during military exercise
| type               = [[Main battle tank]]
| is_vehicle         = yes
| service            = 1992–present
| wars               = [[Kosovo Force|Operation Joint Guardian]]<br/>[[United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon|UNIFIL]]<br/>[[Yemeni Civil War (2015–present)]]<ref name="youtube.com">{{cite web|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kHwyBXnLRpI&t=2m03s |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/varchive/youtube/20211221/kHwyBXnLRpI |archive-date=2021-12-21 |url-status=live|script-title=ar:تقرير ميداني من العلم .. نقطة الامداد الرئيسية للحوثيين وصالح تحت سيطرة المقاومة|website=youtube.com|date=31 July 2015|access-date=20 January 2019|language=ar}}{{cbignore}}</ref>
| designer           = 
| number             = ≈862
| length             = 9.87 m (6.88 without gun<ref name=TGelbart />)
| width              = 3.60 m<ref name=TGelbart />
| height             = 2.53 m<ref name=TGelbart />
| origin             = France
| is_UK              = no
| design_date        = 1983–1989
| manufacturer       = [[KNDS France]]
| unit_cost          = €16 million (FY2022)<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.c-dec.terre.defense.gouv.fr/images/documents/Le-franc-tireur-terre/20221117_NP_CDEC_EdGT_franc-tireur-terre-01.pdf|title=Le Franc-Tireur Terre #1 (2022)|page=50|access-date=5 January 2023|archive-date=21 February 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230221101301/https://www.c-dec.terre.defense.gouv.fr/images/documents/Le-franc-tireur-terre/20221117_NP_CDEC_EdGT_franc-tireur-terre-01.pdf|url-status=dead}}</ref>
| production_date    = 1990–2008 (The last unit was produced in 2007 and the production line was closed, although Nexter retains the capability to build more if there is a need)
| variants           = 
| crew               = 3<ref name=TGelbart /> (Commander, gunner, driver)
| weight             = {{ubl|'''Series 1:''' 54.5 tonnes<ref name=TGelbart />|'''Series 2:''' 56.3 tonnes|'''Series XXI''': 57.4 tonnes<ref>{{cite web|url=http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8212/8390203044_6cbb6be4c9_b.jpg|website=staticflickr.com|title=Caractéristiques Principales|language=fr|access-date=20 January 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160304083444/http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8212/8390203044_6cbb6be4c9_b.jpg|archive-date=4 March 2016|url-status=live}}</ref>}}
| armour             = Modular composite armour<br /> '''SXXI''' version include titanium and semi-reactive layers.
| primary_armament   = [[GIAT CN120-26/52]] 120mm [[tank gun]]<ref name=TGelbart /> <br /> 40 rounds (1 round ready to fire in the chamber, 22 rounds inside the autoloader magazine with additional 18 rounds cylinder in the hull)
| secondary_armament = * 12.7&nbsp;mm coaxial [[M2 Browning machine gun|M2HB]] machine gun (1,100 rounds)
* 7.62&nbsp;mm machine gun (3,000 rounds)
| engine             = V8X SACM ([[Wärtsilä]]) 8-cylinder [[Diesel fuel|diesel engine]]
| engine_power       = {{cvt|1,100|kW|hp}}<ref name=TGelbart />
| transmission       = Automatic SESM<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.renk-france.fr/esm500-%e2%80%93-high-end-power-pack-for-50-tons-class-vehicles|title=ESM500 – High-end transmission for 50+ tons class vehicles|publisher=[[Renk]] France|access-date=20 January 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181018042055/http://www.renk-france.fr/esm500-%E2%80%93-high-end-power-pack-for-50-tons-class-vehicles|archive-date=18 October 2018|url-status=live}}</ref>
| fuel_capacity      = 1300 litres (1700 with fuel drums)
| suspension         = Hydropneumatic
| clearance          = 
| speed              = {{ubl|{{convert|71|km/h|mph|abbr=on}} on the road|{{convert|55|km/h|mph|abbr=on}} off-road}}
| pw_ratio           = 27.52 hp/tonne<ref name=TGelbart />
| vehicle_range      = {{cvt|550|km|mi|0}}, {{cvt|650|km|mi|0}} with external fuel<ref name=TGelbart />
}}
The '''Leclerc''' is a [[List of main battle tanks by generation#Third|third-generation]] French [[main battle tank]] developed and manufactured by [[KNDS France]]. It was named in honour of [[Marshal of France|Marshal]] [[Philippe Leclerc de Hauteclocque]], a commander of the [[Free French Forces]], who led the [[2nd Armored Division (France)|2nd Armoured Division]] in [[World War II]].

The Leclerc is in service with the [[French Army]], [[Jordanian Army]] and the [[United Arab Emirates Army]]. In production since 1991,<ref name=TGelbart /> the Leclerc entered French service in 1992,<ref name=TGelbart>{{cite book |last=Gelbart |first=Marsh |title=Tanks main battle and light tanks |url=https://archive.org/details/tanksmainbattlet00gelb |url-access=limited |year=1996 |publisher=Brassey's UK Ltd |pages=[https://archive.org/details/tanksmainbattlet00gelb/page/n28 28]–29 |isbn=1-85753-168-X}}</ref> replacing the [[AMX-30]] as the country's main armoured platform. With production now complete, the French operate 222 Leclercs (with 184 more in storage, for a total of 406), while the United Arab Emirates (UAE) possesses 388.

Of the units in French service, 200 will be upgraded to the [[Leclerc XLR]] standard with deliveries expected to begin in 2022. During the [[Eurosatory]] 2024 presented [[Leclerc Evolution]] and [[EMBT ADT140]], prototypes of the enhanced [[List_of_main_battle_tanks_by_generation#Fourth_Generation|fourth-generation]] main battle tank.<ref>{{Cite web |title=France's Leclerc XLR, Leclerc Evolution and EMBT-ADT 140 at Eurosatory 2024 |url=https://www.defensemagazine.com/article/frances-leclerc-xlr-leclerc-evolution-and-embt-adt-140-at-eurosatory-2024|author=defensemagazine.com|date=21 June 2024 }}</ref>

==History==
In 1964, studies were initiated about a possible replacement vehicle for the [[AMX-30]] main battle tank: the ''Engin Principal Prospectif''. In 1971, in view of the inferiority of the AMX-30 in comparison to the new generation of Soviet tanks about to be introduced, the ''Direction des Armements Terrestres'' ordered the beginning of the ''Char Futur'' project. In 1975, a working committee was created, and in 1977 it agreed on a list of specifications. In February 1980 however, a Memorandum of Understanding was signed with [[West Germany]] involving the joint development of a MBT, called the ''Napoléon I'' in France and ''Kampfpanzer III'' in Germany. Fundamental disagreements about its desired configuration led to a failure of this cooperation in December 1982. It was announced that a purely French battle tank would be developed, called "EPC" (''Engin Principal de Combat''). The importation of foreign equipment, like the [[M1 Abrams]], the [[Leopard 2]], or the [[Merkava]], had been studied and rejected.<ref>{{cite journal|first=Enrico|last=Po|year=1990|title=The MBT LECLERC: French Armour Enters the 21st Century|journal=Military Technology|issue=9|pages=79–86}}</ref>

In contrast to most Western programmes of the time, more emphasis was placed on active than passive protection to limit overall vehicle mass. Mobility for evading enemy fire and fire control systems were given particular attention. Nevertheless, it was a stated design goal to achieve at least double the protection against KE-penetrators in comparison to the level attained in then-current MBTs of the fifty-ton weight class, the latter indicated at about 400&nbsp;mm [[Rolled homogeneous armour|RHA]] equivalency. The higher level of protection would also protect against shaped charges.<ref>{{cite journal|journal=Military Technology|title=First light on the LECLERC|issue=4|year=1986|pages=82–83}}</ref>
[[File:Leclerc-IMG 1720.jpg|left|thumb|The gunner's position, looking down from the turret roof]]
Partnership with a foreign state was sought to limit unit cost, and found when the UAE ordered 436 vehicles, adding to the 426 units already planned for the French Army.

In 1986, the project was started under the name "Leclerc", and six prototypes were swiftly built. Mass production started in 1990 with the four-unit Batch 1, used mainly for comparative tests in foreign countries. The 17 units of Batch 2 shipped with turret and hull armour improvements, but were diagnosed with engine and suspension problems and quickly retired. Batch 3 followed with further improvements and used to define the doctrine of use as well as instruction. Batches 4 and 5 were better built, eliminating recurring powerplant problems, and are still in service after having been refitted in the late 1990s.

The second series started with Batch 6, with an added climate control system in the right rear of the turret. Batch 7 introduced a transmission system to the command vehicle, and a data system giving instantaneous vision of the state of all battle tanks and acquired targets. It also incorporated minor improvements in the visor. Batch 8 units had a modernised electronic system, and Batch 9 replaced the ATHOS thermal imaging with a [[SAGEM]] Iris providing better resolution.

In 2003, the Greek army sought to acquire a new tank and tested the [[T-80U]], [[T-84]], Leclerc, [[M1A2 Abrams]], [[Challenger 2E]] and [[Leopard 2A5]]. The Leclerc received a perfect score at the firing range, with 20 rounds fired from 1500 and at 2000 m away. Its hunter-kill test performance was weaker, with the Leclerc scoring 13 out of 20, compared with 17 for the Leopard. Both the Leclerc and Leopard sustained a nine-round-per-minute firing rate, higher than those of the other tanks. The Leclerc achieved a 500 km range, higher than the others. But price tags seemed to be a determining factor and the Greek Army selected the Leopard.<ref name="lmbtte">{{cite news |title=Leclerc MBT (1990) |url=https://tanks-encyclopedia.com/modern/France/AMX-56_Leclerc.php |access-date=1 January 2023 |publisher=Tanks Encyclopedia}}</ref>

All previous Leclerc batches were to be modernised to Batch 9 standards as of 2005. In 2004, Batch 10 was presented, incorporating a new armour package and information systems that could share the location of enemy and friendly units with all vehicles on the battlefield. This was the beginning of the 96-unit third series. By 2007, 355 tanks were to have been operational, 320 of them incorporated in four regiments, each with 80 Leclercs.

{{As of|2010}}, after a French defence review, each of the four regiments operated 60 Leclerc tanks for a total of 240 in operational units; with a further 100 in combat ready reserve. Due to financial cuts, only 254 tanks were fully operational in 2011.<ref name="defensenews.com">{{cite news
| last         = Tran
| first        = Pierre
| date         = 9 May 2011
| title        = Interview with Lt. Gen. Jean-Tristan Verna
| url          = http://www.defensenews.com/story.php?i=6442452&c=FEA&s=INT
| url-status   = dead
| work         = [[Defense News]]
| location     = Tysons, Virginia
| publisher    = Gannett Government Media
| archive-url  = https://archive.today/20120730203403/http://www.defensenews.com/story.php?i=6442452&c=FEA&s=INT
| archive-date = 30 July 2012
| access-date  = 18 June 2024
}}</ref>

=== Main Ground Combat System ===
{{main|Main Ground Combat System}}

In 2015, [[Nexter Systems]] merged with German [[Krauss-Maffei Wegmann]] (KMW), maker of the [[Leopard 2]] tank, to form [[KMW+Nexter Defense Systems]] (KNDS),<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.knds.com/ |title=Home |website=knds.com}}</ref> and the German Ministry of Defence announced plans to develop a new tank jointly with France as a successor to both the Leopard 2 and Leclerc tanks, named [[Main Ground Combat System]] (MGCS).<ref>{{cite news
| author       = <!--Not stated-->
| date         = 22 May 2015
| title        = Germany, France to jointly develop 'Leopard 3' tank
| url          = http://www.dw.de/germany-france-to-jointly-develop-leopard-3-tank/a-18468270
| url-status   = live
| work         = [[Deutsche Welle]]
| location     = Bonn, Germany
| publisher    = [[Federal Government of Germany]]
| archive-url  = https://web.archive.org/web/20150525214308/http://www.dw.de/germany-france-to-jointly-develop-leopard-3-tank/a-18468270
| archive-date = 25 May 2015
| access-date  = 18 June 2024
}}</ref> At the 2018 [[Eurosatory]], KNDS presented a technology demonstrator tank combining the hull of a [[Leopard 2A7]] with the lighter, two-man turret of a Leclerc.<ref name="National Interest">{{cite web |last1=Peck |first1=Michael |title=European Main Battle Tank: France and Germany's New Joint Super Weapon? |url=https://nationalinterest.org/blog/buzz/european-main-battle-tank-france-and-germanys-new-joint-super-weapon-25017 |website=The National Interest |access-date=22 July 2018 |language=en |date=4 July 2018}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.iiss.org/blogs/military-balance/2018/07/france-and-germany-tank-tracks|title=France and Germany: on the right tank tracks?|author=|date=|website=IISS|access-date=20 November 2018}}</ref>

System architecture definition and technology demonstration phase was to be completed by 2024, with production and testing to start in 2028.<ref name=MGCS_TDP>{{Cite web|last=Geiger|first=Waldemar|date=2020-05-22|title=Deutsch-französische Panzerindustrie mit Auftrag für erste MGCS-Studie erteilt|url=https://esut.de/2020/05/meldungen/ruestung2/20668/deutsch-franzoesische-panzerindustrie-mit-auftrag-fuer-erste-mgcs-studie-erteilt/|language=de|access-date=2020-12-14|website=ESUT - Europäische Sicherheit & Technik}}</ref>

===UAE bribery allegation===
In September 2018, ''[[Der Spiegel]]'' reported that an intermediary in the $3 billion-plus UAE tank sale was paid a commission of nearly US$200 million, and that part of the sum may have been used to bribe government officials.<ref name=bribe>{{cite news|newspaper=[[Der Spiegel]] |first1=Sven |last1=Becker |first2=Michael |last2=Sontheimer |url=http://www.spiegel.de/international/germany/shadowy-tank-deal-raises-suspicions-of-corruption-a-1230679.html |date=28 September 2018 |access-date=20 January 2019 |title=The Shadowy Arms Trade - A Look Back at a Questionable Tank Deal |quote=An intermediary received a commission of almost $200 million for the sale of battle tanks to United Arab Emirates. Some of that money, though, may have been used to bribe government officials. |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190220172332/http://www.spiegel.de/international/germany/shadowy-tank-deal-raises-suspicions-of-corruption-a-1230679.html |archive-date=20 February 2019 |url-status=live}}</ref>

==Design==
===Armament===
====Primary====
[[File:Leclerc-IMG 1708.jpg|thumb|Closeup of the front of the turret; the 12.7&nbsp;mm coaxial machine gun can be seen below and to the side of the 120&nbsp;mm main gun.]]
The Leclerc is armed with a 120&nbsp;mm version F1 [[smoothbore]] gun designed by the arsenal of [[Bourges]] (EFAB) under the designation of CN120-26. Its barrel is 52 [[Caliber (artillery)|calibres]] long instead of the 44 calibre common on most main battle tanks of its generation,<ref name=TGelbart /> giving the projectile a higher muzzle velocity.

The Modèle F1 is compatible with [[120×570mm NATO|120x570mm NATO]] ammunition. This gun features a [[magnesium alloy]] [[thermal sleeve]] and an automatic loading mechanism. Elevation (+20°), depression (-8°), and turret traverse (360°) are electrically powered. The Leclerc EMAT used by the French Army relies on compartment overpressure for barrel fume extraction while the UAE tropicalized Leclerc uses a compressed-air fume extraction system.

====Autoloader====
Located inside the turret bustle, the [[autoloader]] is designated CHA ({{langx|fr|Chargement Automatique}}, "automatic loading") and was designed by [[Creusot-Loire|Creusot-Loire Industrie]]. The autoloader itself weighs 500&nbsp;kg (empty) and has a total volume of 1.68 m{{sup|3}} (1.40 × 2.40 × 0.50&nbsp;m). In case of ammunition [[cooking off]], the deflagration is vented by two blow-out panels.

The autoloader allows the reloading of the gun while firing on the move, providing it a sufficient rate of fire to deal with six targets in one minute. The nominal firing sequence is below 8 seconds and the repetition rate (loading two ammunition of the same type one after another) is below 6 seconds. The autoloader is managed by a TM [[Motorola 68000 series|Motorola 68021]] [[microprocessor]].<ref name="Bosquet"/>

The autoloader consists of a [[Conveyor belt|continuous link carrier]] magazine made of 22 cells and a rammer assembly. It can accommodate all types of ammunition that are to the NATO standard. Up to six different types of ammunition can be selected.
The cell positions the selected round for loading. At the same time, the main gun is decoupled from the stabilization system, indexed to 1.8° elevation and locked in alignment with the loading gutter. Then, a telescopic [[rammer]] pushes the round from the cell into the [[gun breech]] via a [[fiberglass]] gutter. After loading, the weapon is automatically driven back to the specified angle in accordance with the fire control system.
In case of a power outage, the conveyor can be put into motion by using a hand-cranked electric generator.

The ammunition is normally inserted in the autoloader through a port in the rear wall of the turret bustle. A control panel allows the autoloader cells to be rotated to present a new empty cell. Two [[barcode reader]]s identify the introduced ammunition in order to manage its position in the conveyor at any time.<ref name="Bosquet"/> If the ammunition does not have a [[barcode]], its type is entered through the control keyboard. It is possible to replenish the autoloader under armour, through a port in the inner bulkhead by using the 18 rounds [[Cylinder (firearms)|cylinder]] located to the right of the driver's position.

====Secondary====
The Leclerc is also equipped with a 12.7&nbsp;mm coaxial [[Browning M2|M2]] [[heavy machine gun]] and a turret-mounted 7.62&nbsp;mm machine gun, whereas most other NATO tanks use 7.62&nbsp;mm weapons for both their coaxial and top machine gun mounts; the major exception is the American M1 Abrams, which has a 7.62&nbsp;mm coaxial machine gun and two top-mounted machine guns, one 7.62&nbsp;mm and one 12.7&nbsp;mm.

===Fire control and observation===
The last 96 MBT XL Leclerc tanks have the ''ICONE TIS'' battle management system with digital communication system which integrates data from other tanks and upper levels of command. Since 2009, all the Leclerc tanks in service (S2 and SXXI) have ICONE BMS.
The digital fire control system can be operated independently by the gunner or the commander, and it offers real time integrated imaging from all of the tank's sensors and sights, including the gunner's SAVAN 20 stabilised sight, developed by SAGEM.

[[File:Leclerc-0037.jpg|thumb|right|The commander's HL 70 panoramic sight]]
The Leclerc tank features the HL 60 gunner's primary sight from [[SAGEM]]. The sight has two day channels; a direct one with ×3.3 and ×10 magnification (×14 in case of the UAE version) and a video channel with ×10 magnification. The thermal channel offers ×3 and ×10 magnifications.
The ''Athos'' [[thermal imager]] has a detection range of 5000 m, can recognize targets at 2500 m and identify them at 2000 m.<ref name="Bosquet"/> The laser range finder is of the Nd:YAG type. No emergency or auxiliary sights are mounted.

The tank commander can observe the surroundings through 7 episcopes and the SFIM HL 70 stabilized panoramic sight. The HL 70 is equipped with a day channel at ×2.5 and ×10 magnification and a night channel with ×2.5 magnification.
The [[UAE]] tropicalized Leclerc uses the improved HL 80 panoramic sight which features an electronic zoom ×2 and a laser range finder of the [[Nd:YAG]] type. The image intensifier is replaced by an ''Alis'' thermal imager.
The Leclerc SXXI uses the HL 120 panoramic sight that incorporates an ''Iris'' thermal imager.
Both sights are also equipped with a semi-auto tracker for target acquisition. The combination of the gunner's primary sight and commander's panoramic sight allows the Leclerc to operate in a hunter-killer mode.

===Protection===
==== Thermal signature ====
A feature of the Hyperbar system used by the V8X1500 engine is that it does not emit visible smoke during acceleration, allowing to reduce the [[infrared signature]] of the tank.
The exhaust temperature of the TM-307B [[gas turbine]] never exceeds 370°, whatever the engine speed.<ref name="Bosquet">{{cite book|last1=Ferrard |first1=Stéphane|last2=Gerard|first2=Turbe|title=The Leclerc System|date=1992|publisher=Bosquet|isbn=9781852601416|page=109}}</ref>

==== Ballistic ====
The [[Ateliers de construction d'Issy-les-Moulineaux|AMX]]-[[Atelier de Construction de Puteaux|APX]] armament institution was responsible for the studies related to the configuration and the integration of the new ballistic protection concepts.<ref name="Editions Techniques pour l'Automobile et l'Industrie">{{cite book |last1=Chassillan|first1=Marc|title=Char Leclerc : De la guerre froide aux conflits de demain|date=2005|publisher=Editions Techniques pour l'Automobile et l'Industrie|isbn=978-2726894385|page=191}}</ref>

Original protection requirements were sent by the EPC project manager to [[Ateliers de construction d'Issy-les-Moulineaux|AMX]]-[[Atelier de Construction de Puteaux|APX]] on February 8, 1980. The protection of the future French main battle tank must guarantee a certain degree of invulnerability against [[125 mm smoothbore ammunition|125 mm APFSDS]] and 130&nbsp;mm shaped-charges warheads over its frontal arc.<ref name="Editions Techniques pour l'Automobile et l'Industrie"/> The whole fighting compartment must be protected against [[RPG-7]] warheads and all-around protection should be provided against threats such as [[30 mm caliber|30 mm]] [[autocannon]]s.

Stéphane Ferrard (1947-2015), a military historian and French journalist, stated in his book, "The Leclerc System", that:

{{blockquote|Over its 60-degree frontal arc, the tank should be able to withstand multiple impacts of APFSDS ammunition belonging to the largest caliber currently available on the market.<ref name="Bosquet"/>}}

The turret and the hull are made of welded steel plates with a thickness ranging from 30&nbsp;mm to 50&nbsp;mm<ref>{{cite news |last1=Chassillan |first1=Marc |title=La Protection Balistiques des Chars Modernes |access-date=|agency=Caraktère |issue=66 |publisher=Trucks & Tanks Magazine |date=March–April 2018 |page=77}}</ref> on which removable composite armour modules are mounted. Twelve modules surround the turret (six per side); they are numbered 1 to 6, starting from the front end. The modules are covered by an anti-slip coating made of [[fiberglass]].
The turret bustle that contains the autoloader is protected on both sides against [[30 mm caliber|30 mm]] armour-piercing rounds and shoulder-fired anti-tank weapon such as the [[RPG-7]].<ref name="Editions Techniques pour l'Automobile et l'Industrie"/>
The composite storage boxes around and on the turret play a triple role: carrying the tool set, reducing [[radar cross-section]] and acting as [[spaced armour]].

Structural [[self-sealing fuel tank]]s are located to the right forward part of the hull, in front and above the ammunition drum. Six heavy ballistic side skirts protect the front third of the hull sides; each is made of a composite panel covered by a steel outer shell.

===== SXXI =====
[[File:Leclerc p1040879.jpg|thumb|right|The extended composite armour block under the HL 130 gunner sight of a Leclerc SXXI]]
At the end of 1990s, a study was initiated to protect the Leclerc tank against the latest threats. These included [[Anti-tank guided missile|ATGMs]] with [[Tandem-charge|tandem shaped-charge]] warheads capable of penetrating more than 1000&nbsp;mm of [[Rolled homogeneous armour|RHA]] steel, as well as long-rod APFSDS with a length-to-diameter ratio of 30:1 with penetration performance exceeding 700&nbsp;mm of RHA.<ref name="Editions Techniques pour l'Automobile et l'Industrie"/><ref>{{cite news |last1=Chassillan |first1=Marc |title=La Protection Balistiques des Chars Modernes |access-date= |agency=Caraktère |issue=66 |publisher=Trucks & Tanks Magazine |date=March–April 2018 |page=76}}</ref>

The technical approach consisted of replacing the passive composite modules protecting both sides of the turret bustle with lighter, reactive modules, incorporating semi-reactive layers. This weight-saving measure allowed the use of [[titanium]] in the ballistic protection of the turret frontal arc.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Chassillan |first1=Marc |title=La Protection Balistiques des Chars Modernes |access-date= |agency=Caraktère |issue=66 |publisher=Trucks & Tanks Magazine |date=March–April 2018 |page=77}}</ref> It also shifted the [[Center of mass|center of gravity]] towards the front of the turret, closer to the traverse axis, facilitating the dynamic laying of the turret drives.

Block 10 and 11 (T10 and T11) Leclerc SXXI tanks are recognizable by their add-on [[ceramic armour]] plates bolted on the top of the reactive modules, protecting both sides of the autoloader compartment.

==== Passive counter-measures ====
Fourteen 80&nbsp;mm [[Grenade discharger|dispensers]] of the Lacroix GALIX self-defence system are mounted onto the rear part of the turret. The French Army uses four types of ammunition:
* Galix 3: three smoke grenades creating an opaque screen in the visual range for 50 seconds
* Galix 4: two fragmentation grenades
* Galix 6: one infrared decoy with a burn time of 10 seconds
* Galix 13: three smoke grenades creating an opaque screen in the visual and infrared ranges for 30 seconds

===Propulsion===
[[File:French Leclerc main battle tank during Strong Europe Tank Challenge exercise, 2017.jpg|thumb|right|French Army Leclerc tank navigating a course during exercise Strong Europe Tank Challenge in 2017.]]
The Leclerc has an eight-cylinder SACM (now [[Wärtsilä]]) V8X-1500 1,500&nbsp;hp Hyperbar [[diesel engine]] and a SESM (now Renk AG) <ref>{{Cite web |url=http://www.renk.newsfactory.de/cms_media/objekte/267-ESM_500.pdf |title=ESM 500 |access-date=20 January 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110719065509/http://www.renk.newsfactory.de/cms_media/objekte/267-ESM_500.pdf |archive-date=19 July 2011 |url-status=dead }}</ref> [[automatic transmission]], with five forward and two reverse gears. The official maximum speed by road is 71&nbsp;km/h and 55&nbsp;km/h cross country (speeds in excess of 80&nbsp;km/h were reported on road). The maximum range is given as 550&nbsp;km, and can be extended to 650&nbsp;km with removable external tanks. The "hyperbar" system integrates a small [[Turbomeca]] TM 307B<ref>{{Cite web |title=Famille TM 307 – Espace Patrimonial AAPHT |url=http://travail.amis-turbomeca.fr/encyclopedie-moteurs/famille-tm307 |access-date=2023-05-21 |language=fr-FR}}</ref> [[gas turbine]] in the engine, acting both as a [[turbocharger]] and an [[Auxiliary power unit|APU]] giving auxiliary power to all systems when the main engine is shut down. The Hyperbar name comes from the unusually high [[forced induction|boost pressure]] of 7.5 [[bar (unit)|bar]] and the resulting [[mean effective pressure]] of 32.1 bar.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://engins-blindes-francais.wifeo.com/groupe-moto-propulseur.php|title=Moteur V8X suralimenté hyperbar de 1500ch|language=fr|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110815173225/http://engins-blindes-francais.wifeo.com/groupe-moto-propulseur.php |archive-date=15 August 2011 }}</ref> For comparison, the turbocharged diesel engine in a typical passenger car has a mean effective pressure of about 20 bar.<ref>Ulrich Spicher: ''Kapitel 3 · Kenngrößen – table 3.16: Effektiver Mitteldruck heutiger Motoren'', in Richard van Basshuysen, Fred Schäfer (eds.): ''Handbuch Verbrennungsmotor – Grundlagen · Komponenten · Systeme · Perspektiven'', 8th edition, Springer, Wiesbaden 2017, ISBN 978-3-658-10901-1, DOI 10.1007/978-3-658-10902-8_3, p. 27</ref> In addition, with boost available even when idling, this arrangement also works as an [[antilag system]].

With a combat weight of 56 tons, the Leclerc is one of the lighter main battle tanks in the world, though still considerably heavier than Soviet and later Russian designs; this gives it one of the best power-to-weight ratios among Western tanks (27&nbsp;hp per ton) and makes it one of the fastest MBTs of its generation (0 to 32&nbsp;km/h in 5 seconds).

The engine exhaust, exiting at the rear left, is cooled to reduce the thermal signature of the Leclerc. [[Transmission (mechanics)|Transmission]] is [[Hydromechanical transmission|hydromechanical]], with five forward and two reverse gears. Fuel tanks carry 1,300 litres and act as extra protection for the tank; two 200-litre external tanks can be fitted on the rear of the hull, though they have to be jettisoned before entering combat because they limit turret rotation.

The gearbox is equipped with a [[Hydrokinetic transmission|hydrokinetic]] [[Retarder (mechanical engineering)|retarder]], which can slow the Leclerc down at a deceleration rate of 7&nbsp;m/s (0.7&nbsp;g) which is automatically used over 30&nbsp;km/h.

==Operational history==
The four regiments which operate the Leclerc are:
* 1e régiment de chasseurs stationed near [[Verdun]], part of the [[7th Armoured Brigade (France)|7th Armoured Brigade]]
* 4e régiment de dragons stationed in [[Carnoux-en-Provence]], part of the [[7th Armoured Brigade (France)|7th Armoured Brigade]]
* [[12th Cuirassier Regiment (France)|12e régiment de cuirassiers]] stationed in [[Olivet, Loiret|Olivet]], part of the [[2nd Armoured Brigade (France)|2nd Armoured Brigade]]
* [[501st-503rd Tank Regiment|501e régiment de chars de combat]] stationed in [[Mourmelon-le-Grand]], [[2nd Armoured Brigade (France)|2nd Armoured Brigade]]

In service since 1992 (after the [[Persian Gulf War]]), the Leclerc has mostly seen deployment in [[low-intensity conflict]]s, including 15 ''Leclerc ''stationed in [[Kosovo]] ([[Kosovo Force|KFOR]]) and 13 others deployed in south [[Lebanon]] until 2010 for the [[UNIFIL]] [[Peacekeeping|peacekeeping operations]], during which their performance was judged satisfactory by French officials.

As of August 2015, Leclerc tanks of the UAE were deployed in combat operations in [[Yemen]] (near Aden) as part of the [[Saudi Arabian-led intervention in Yemen|Saudi-led coalition]].<ref name="youtube.com" /><ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.defensenews.com/story/defense/policy-budget/warfare/2015/08/02/united-arab-emirates/31023089/|title = Saudi-led Coalition Deploys 3,000 Troops in Yemen, Sources Say|date = 8 August 2017}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |url=http://pbs.twimg.com/media/CLZORvfUkAAQAHq.jpg |title=Archived copy |access-date=2015-08-03 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151211020832/http://pbs.twimg.com/media/CLZORvfUkAAQAHq.jpg |archive-date=2015-12-11 |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.air-defense.net/forum/topic/8092-le-yemen-en-voie-de-somalisation/page-29|title=Le YEMEN en voie de "Somalisation"|date=25 June 2009 }}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://pbs.twimg.com/media/CLelyjJWIAAvDEh.jpg:large |title=Archived copy |access-date=2015-08-03 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151210231506/https://pbs.twimg.com/media/CLelyjJWIAAvDEh.jpg%3Alarge |archive-date=2015-12-10 }}</ref><ref>{{cite web|last1=Kavanaugh|first1=Shane Dixon|title=Tiny UAE Tests Its Military Might In Yemen|url=http://www.vocativ.com/news/220105/uae-yemen-ground-war-houthi-aden|website=Vocativ|access-date=12 August 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150811234152/http://www.vocativ.com/news/220105/uae-yemen-ground-war-houthi-aden/|archive-date=11 August 2015|url-status=live}}</ref> It is estimated that 70 Leclerc MBTs were deployed by the UAE in Yemen, 15 of them equipped with the AZUR package. During one month, three tanks were damaged, two by antitank mines and one by an RPG, which damaged the grid without piercing the hull. One of the episcopes was hit by a ATGM, possibly of [[9M113 Konkurs|Konkurs]] or Konkurs-M type, killing the driver and injuring the commander's legs.<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://ultimaratio-blog.org/archives/8148 |title=Leçons de l'engagement des chars Leclerc au Yémen |access-date=2016-12-05 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161205154956/http://ultimaratio-blog.org/archives/8148 |archive-date=2016-12-05 }}</ref> None of these tanks were completely destroyed.<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://www.lopinion.fr/blog/secret-defense/70-chars-leclerc-emiratis-engages-yemen-28202 |title=70 chars Leclerc émiratis engagés au Yémen |date=17 September 2015 |access-date=2015-12-08 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151221143020/http://www.lopinion.fr/blog/secret-defense/70-chars-leclerc-emiratis-engages-yemen-28202 |archive-date=2015-12-21 |url-status=live }}</ref>

During the Iron Spear exercise, October 2019, Leclerc tanks crewed by the Lynx 6 Tactical Inter-Service Sub-Group (S-GTIA) participated in an inter-alliance exercise and surpassed the American M1A2 Abrams, German, Spanish and Norwegian Leopard 2s, Italian [[C1 Ariete]]  and Polish [[PT-91]].<ref>{{Cite web|title=Lynx 6: Victory of Leclerc tank at NATO combined exercise Iron Spear {{!}} October 2019 Global Defense Security army news industry {{!}} Defense Security global news industry army 2019 {{!}} Archive News year|url=https://www.armyrecognition.com/october_2019_global_defense_security_army_news_industry/lynx_6_victory_of_the_leclerc_tank_during_the_combined_exercise_iron_spear.html|access-date=2021-04-29|website=www.armyrecognition.com|date=16 October 2019 }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|title=LYNX 6: Leclerc Wins Tank Competition in Joint Exercise Iron Spear|url=https://www.defense-aerospace.com/articles-view/release/3/206832/french-leclerc-wins-allied-tank-competition-in-latvia.html|access-date=2021-04-29|website=www.defense-aerospace.com}}</ref><br>

As part of [[Mission Aigle]], Leclerc tanks of the [[1st-2nd Chasseur Regiment|1st Chasseur Regiment]], 7th Armoured Brigade were deployed to Romania in November 2022.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.dna.fr/defense-guerre-conflit/2022/10/21/les-soldats-de-colmar-en-partance-pour-la-roumanie|title=Les soldats de Colmar en partance pour la Roumanie|language=fr|work=[[Les Dernières Nouvelles d'Alsace]]|date=21 October 2022}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.hotnews.ro/stiri-defense-25907175-foto-tancurile-franceze-leclerc-ajuns-romania-alatura-grupului-lupta-nato-cincu.htm|title=FOTO Tancurile franceze Leclerc au ajuns în România și se alătură Grupului de Luptă NATO de la Cincu|language=ro|work=[[HotNews]]|date=16 November 2022}}</ref> Currently, there are 13 tanks deployed with the Battle Group Forward Presence.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.defense.gouv.fr/sites/default/files/operations/20230117_AIGLE_dossier-de-presse.pdf|title=Press Kit - Mission AIGLE|language=fr|publisher=[[Ministry of Armed Forces (France)|Ministère des Armées]]|date=2023|page=9}}</ref>

==Variants and upgrades==
===Built===
'''''Séries'' 1''': original production model, 134 produced.

'''S1OP ''Série 1 Opérationnelle''''': refers to the 82 serviceable Leclerc S1 that were upgraded to the RT5 standard.

'''''Séries'' 2''': perfected model with the ability to be deployed in desert environments, 176 produced.
* new NBC system which integrates a hybrid air conditioner.
* independent air conditioning unit installed on the back roof behind the gunner's hatch.
* In order to balance the turret with the addition of the air conditioner, the turret frontal armour is thickened a few centimetres ahead of the commander's station.
* revised sprocket cooling fins.
* extra splash guard added to the front hull.
* Remote operated hydraulic track tensioner.
* bolt-on appliqué armour on each hull sponsons.
* ''Athos'' thermal camera on the gunner's sight is replaced by the new ''Iris'' thermal camera since the block 9 (T9).
* SIT ICONE battlefield management system added in 2009

'''S2OP ''Série 2 Opérationnelle''''': refers to the 137 serviceable Leclerc S2.

'''''Séries'' XXI''': 96 produced.
* New composite front armour package containing [[titanium]]. Turret bustle composite armour has been replaced by a lighter explosive reactive armour.
* Turret storage bins have been tailored for the larger armour package.
* The commander has now the HL 120 panoramic sight which now features a laser rangefinder and the ''Iris'' thermal camera.
* Higher electrical turret output.
* [[Identification friend or foe|IFF]] indicator.
* SIT ICONE battlefield management system.

'''[[Leclerc XLR]]''': modernization project of the French Army Leclerc S2 and SXXI. 18 Leclerc will be retrofitted to the XLR standard in 2023, 200 [[Leclerc XLR]] are expected by 2029.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Gain |first1=Nathan |title=Une seconde tranche de 50 Leclerc XLR pour l'armée de Terre |url=https://www.forcesoperations.com/une-seconde-tranche-de-50-leclerc-xlr-pour-larmee-de-terre/ |website=forcesoperations.com |date=12 January 2023 |access-date=15 January 2023}}</ref>
* Common SCORPION vetronics such as the SICS battlefield management system and CONTACT radio and Blue force tracking.
* New fire control system adapted to the new 120&nbsp;mm HE M3M multi-mode programmable high-explosive round.
* [[FN Herstal]] T2B [[Remote controlled weapon station|remote weapon station]].
* Obsolescence management of the V8X1500 engine, especially its [[Safran Helicopter Engines|Turboméca]] TM-307B gas turbine.<ref>{{cite journal |last1=Chassillan |first1=Marc |title=Le Leclerc Rénové XLR |journal=Raids |volume=84 |pages=18–22 |series=special issue |language=French}}</ref>
* Mine protection belly plate.
* BARRAGE [[Improvised explosive device|IED]] jammer.
* Add-on composite side armour modules from the AZUR urban warfare kit.
* Slat armour.

'''Tropicalized Leclerc''' version sold to the UAE; it is fitted with:
* [[EuroPowerPack]] with the 1,100&nbsp;kW MT883 diesel engine built by the German [[MTU Friedrichshafen]] company - the UAE has interests in this company and preferred the engine to be built by them.
* Extended hull with increased fuel capacity.
* Externally mounted diesel [[auxiliary power unit]] with a tank infantry telephone fitted on its armoured box.
* Redesigned engine compartment (louver, access panels).
* Engine-driven mechanical heavy-duty air-conditioning mounted in the left part of the hull.
* HL-80 commander panoramic sight with ''Alis'' thermal camera and laser rangefinder.
* ATO (Armement Télé-Opéré) remote-controlled weapon station for a 7.62&nbsp;mm [[FN MAG]] machine-gun operated under-armour by the HL-80 panoramic sight.
* Leclerc [[Battlefield Management System]] (LBMS).
* Completely automated driving and turret functions with pictograms on the buttons for use by crew with only basic training.
* Thermal tarp.
* Some bustle storage bins are replaced by baskets.

'''Leclerc T4''': Prototype with an elongated turret built in 1996. It was armed with a 140&nbsp;mm smoothbore gun designed by the arsenal of Bourges (EFAB). In order to avoid being scrapped, the prototype turret was restored in the 2010s and mounted on a former Leclerc hull which was used in its last years as a towing vehicle. Following its restoration, the tank was nicknamed ''Terminateur'' (Terminator) by the director of the technical section of the French Army (''Section Technique de l'Armée de Terre'' or STAT), who did everything to preserve this technological demonstrator.
In 2017, the Terminateur was presented with the experimental Scorpion camouflage.<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://www.milinfo.org/-38 |title=Char Leclerc "Terminator" canon de140 au 1/48 (Gaso.Line) - |access-date=2017-07-22 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170720141619/http://www.milinfo.org/-38 |archive-date=2017-07-20 |url-status=live }}</ref>

'''[[Engin Principal du Génie|Leclerc EPG]] ''Engin Principal du Génie'':''' "main engineering vehicle": armoured engineering, one prototype built in 2001<ref name="epgl">{{cite news |title=EPG |url=http://www.leclerc.fr/epg.php |access-date=1 January 2023 |publisher=leclerc.fr}}</ref>

'''Leclerc MARS (''Moyen Adapté de Remorquage Spécifique''):''' Leclerc S1 converted into an [[armoured recovery vehicle]] due to decreased order of Leclerc DNG (20 instead of 30). The main gun, the sights and the autoloader are removed to make it 5 tonnes lighter.
'''[[Char de dépannage DNG/DCL|Leclerc DNG]] ''Dépanneur Nouvelle Génération'':''' recovery tank deployed as of 2004<ref name="tanking">{{cite news |title=Modern French Tanks & AFVs |url=https://tanks-encyclopedia.com/modern/France/french-tanks.php |access-date=1 January 2023 |publisher=tanks encyclopedia}}</ref>

'''Leclerc AZUR ''Action en Zone URbaine'':''' urban warfare kit for ''actions in urban areas''. Some elements of the kit such as the add-on composite armour were bought by the UAE Army for their tropicalized Leclerc operating in Yemen.

===Proposed concept===
*'''Leclerc PTG''' (''Poseur de Travure du Génie)'': proposed bridgelayer variant developed in 1996, no prototypes were built.
*'''Leclerc 'Flakpanzer' [[SPAAG]]''': Early 1990s proposal of a Leclerc fitted with a turret derived from that of the German [[Flakpanzer Gepard]]. It was imagined as armed with twin [[Oerlikon 35 mm twin cannon|35&nbsp;mm Oerlikon KDA autocannons]] and two twin pack [[Mistral (missile)|Mistral]] SAM launchers (total of four ready missiles). It was not adopted for service due to post-Cold War defence cutbacks.{{cn|date=January 2023}}
*'''Leclerc Crotale''': A proposal from the same time period to fit the [[Crotale (missile)#Crotale NG|Crotale NG]] SAM system to a Leclerc chassis. Intended primarily to protect armoured formations on the move against aerial attack. Again not proceeded with due to cutbacks. No prototype known to have been built.{{cn|date=January 2023}}
*'''Leclerc V2C 2010''' (''Véhicule de combat de choc''): A concept from early 2000s featuring installation of modular armor on the turret roof to protect the crew and autoloader, SPATEM hard-kill [[active protection system]] featuring two or four twin-barelled counter-projectile launchers, KBCM (''Kit Basique pour Contre-Mesures pour Blindes'') protection kit consisting of infra-red jammer, missile launch detection, laser warning receivers and additional GALIX grenade launchers, and armor enhancements featuring anti-mine protection, metal screens and rubber skirts. The upgrade proposal also included tactical [[UAV]] launch system. Only a scale mock-up was presented in 2002.
*'''Leclerc [[Battle of Kufra (1941)|Koufra]]''', or Leclerc T40: A proposal from the late 2000s to convert existing ''Séries'' 1 vehicles into a 'heavy' reconnaissance scout, primarily for [[urban warfare]]. The conversion included a brand new turret incorporating a [[CTA International|CTA]] '''CT40''' ''Case Telescoped Weapon System'' (CTWS) as well as grenade launchers, along with provision for two side-mounted anti-tank missiles.<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://secretdefense.blogs.liberation.fr/2009/06/10/le-char-leclerc-que-vous-ne-verrez-sans-doute-jamais/ |title=Secret Défense - le char Leclerc que vous ne verrez (Sans doute) jamais - Libération.fr |access-date=2015-12-08 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151208205025/http://secretdefense.blogs.liberation.fr/2009/06/10/le-char-leclerc-que-vous-ne-verrez-sans-doute-jamais/ |archive-date=2015-12-08 |url-status=live }}</ref>

==Classified manual leak==
In October 2021, in an attempt to win an argument in the official forums of the war simulation game ''[[War Thunder]]'', a crewman allegedly leaked excerpts of the tank's classified manual. Forum moderators quickly removed the documents from their website, stating that they could not use the said classified documents due to legal problems that would ensue.<ref>{{Cite web|work=UK Defense Journal|date=2021-10-06|title=Classified tank specs leaked on War Thunder game forums – again|url=https://ukdefencejournal.org.uk/classified-tank-specs-leaked-on-war-thunder-game-forums-again/|access-date=2021-10-07|language=en-GB}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=Official statement by Warthunder's forum staff|url=https://forum.warthunder.com/index.php?/topic/502663-leclerc-s1-vs-s2/page/6/&tab=comments#comment-9128047|website=Official Warthunder forums}}</ref>

==Technical data==
{|class="wikitable"
! style=width:200px | Description
! style=width:200px | Leclerc Série 1
! style=width:200px | Leclerc Série 2
! style=width:200px | Leclerc Série XXI
! style=width:200px | Tropicalized Leclerc
|-
|'''Produced''' ||style="text-align:center;"| 132 ||style="text-align:center;"| 178 ||style="text-align:center;"| 96 ||style="text-align:center;"| 388
|-
|'''Date''' ||style="text-align:center;"| 1992–1996 ||style="text-align:center;"| 1997-2003 ||style="text-align:center;"| 2003-2008 ||style="text-align:center;"| 1994 – early 2000s
|-
|'''Batch''' ||style="text-align:center;"| T1 to T5 ||style="text-align:center;"| T6 to T9 ||style="text-align:center;"| T10 to T11 ||style="text-align:center;"| Not applicable
|-
|'''Crew''' ||colspan="4" style="text-align:center;"| 3
|-
|'''Combat weight''' ||style="text-align:center;"| 54.5 t ||style="text-align:center;"| 56.3 t ||style="text-align:center;"| 57.6 t ||style="text-align:center;"| 57 t
|-
|'''Hull weight''' ||style="text-align:center;"| 36 t ||style="text-align:center;"| 37 t ||style="text-align:center;"| 37.5 t
|-
|'''Turret weight''' ||style="text-align:center;"| 18.5 t ||style="text-align:center;"| 19 t ||style="text-align:center;"| 20.5 t ||style="text-align:center;"| x
|-
|'''Gunner sight''' ||colspan="2" style="text-align:center;"| HL 60 ||style="text-align:center;"| HL 130 ||style="text-align:center;"| HL 60
|-
|'''Commander panoramic sight''' ||colspan="2" style="text-align:center;"| HL 70 ||style="text-align:center;"| HL 120 ||style="text-align:center;"| HL 80
|-
|'''Engine''' ||colspan="3" style="text-align:center;"| SACM V8X Hyperbar 8-cylinder diesel engine ||style="text-align:center;"|MTU MT 883 Ka 500 12-cylinder diesel engine
|-
|'''Engine displacement''' ||colspan="3" style="text-align:center;"| 16,470&nbsp;cm<sup>3</sup> ||style="text-align:center;"|27,361&nbsp;cm<sup>3</sup>
|-
|'''Forced induction ratio''' ||colspan="3" style="text-align:center;"| 7.8 ||style="text-align:center;"| 3
|-
|'''Power output''' ||colspan="3" style="text-align:center;"| 1500&nbsp;hp (1,118&nbsp;kW) at 2500 RPM ||style="text-align:center;"| 1500&nbsp;hp (1,118&nbsp;kW) at 2700 RPM
|-
|'''Maximum torque''' ||colspan="3" style="text-align:center;"| 4850 Nm at 1700 RPM ||style="text-align:center;"| 4545 Nm at 2000 RPM
|-
|'''Acceleration from 0–32&nbsp;km/h (0–20&nbsp;mph)''' ||style="text-align:center;"| 5&nbsp;seconds ||colspan="2" style="text-align:center;"| 5.5&nbsp;seconds ||style="text-align:center;"| 6&nbsp;seconds
|-
|'''Transmission''' ||colspan="3" style="text-align:center;"| SESM ESM 500 ||style="text-align:center;"|Renk HSWL 295 TM
|-
|'''Suspension system''' ||colspan="4" style="text-align:center;"| 12 SAMM ESO twin-cylinder oleopneumatic suspension
|-
|'''Tracks''' ||colspan="2" style="text-align:center;"| V2 (aluminium alloy) ||style="text-align:center;"| V5 (steel) ||style="text-align:center;"| V2, V5 and Diehl 570
|-
|'''Maximum speed''' ||colspan="4" style="text-align:center;" |71&nbsp;km/h (backwards 38&nbsp;km/h)
|-
|'''Fuel capacity''' ||colspan="3" style="text-align:center;"| 1,300&nbsp;liters (up to 1700&nbsp;liters with external fuel drums) ||style="text-align:center;"| 1,420&nbsp;liters (up to 1820&nbsp;liters with external fuel drums)
|-
|'''Hull length''' ||colspan="3" style="text-align:center;"| 6.88&nbsp;m ||style="text-align:center;"| 7.03&nbsp;m
|-
|'''Width''' ||colspan="4" style="text-align:center;"| 3.43&nbsp;m (3.60&nbsp;m with ballistic side skirts and 3.71&nbsp;m with side-view mirrors)
|-
|'''Height''' ||colspan="4" style="text-align:center;"| 2.53&nbsp;m (turret roof)
|-
|'''Ground clearance''' ||colspan="4" style="text-align:center;"| 500&nbsp;mm
|-
|'''Wading depth without preparation''' ||colspan="4" style="text-align:center;"| 1.1&nbsp;m
|-
|'''Wading depth with snorkel''' ||colspan="3" style="text-align:center;"| 4&nbsp;m ||style="text-align:center;"| Not applicable
|-
|'''Trench passability''' ||colspan="4" style="text-align:center;"| 3&nbsp;m
|-
|'''Climbing ability''' ||colspan="4" style="text-align:center;"| 1.1&nbsp;m
|-
|'''Turret rotation time (360°)''' ||colspan="2" style="text-align:center;"| 12&nbsp;seconds ||style="text-align:center;"| 9&nbsp;seconds ||style="text-align:center;"| 12&nbsp;seconds
|}

==Operators==
<!--READ FIRST: This section is for cited entries only. Please do not add entries into this list without a citation from a reliable source. All entries without a citation will be removed. Thank you.-->

[[File:Leclerc operators 2024.png|thumb|upright=1.35|Map of MBT Leclerc operators.]]
[[File:Char Leclerc Emirati 001.jpg|thumb|A [[United Arab Emirates Army]] Leclerc on display in [[International Defence Exhibition|IDEX]] 2005 defense Exhibition in [[Abu Dhabi]].]]

* {{Flag|France}}: 222 + 17 armoured recovery vehicles.{{sfn|IISS|2020|pp=104–105}}
* {{Flag|United Arab Emirates}}: 354 tanks (originally 436)
* {{Flag|Jordan}}: 80 Tanks were donated by United Arab Emirates.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.armyrecognition.com/defense_news_september_2020_global_security_army_industry/united_arab_emirates_to_donate_80_french-made_leclerc_mbts_to_jordan.amp.html|title=United Arab Emirates to donate 80 French-made Leclerc tanks MBTS to Jordan &#124; Defense News September 2020 Global Security army industry &#124; Defense Security global news industry army 2020 &#124; Archive News year|access-date=2020-10-12|archive-date=2020-10-17|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201017204141/https://www.armyrecognition.com/defense_news_september_2020_global_security_army_industry/united_arab_emirates_to_donate_80_french-made_leclerc_mbts_to_jordan.amp.html|url-status=dead}}</ref>

===Potential operators===
* {{Flag|Cyprus}}: Cyprus may get second-hand tanks to replace the T-80U<ref>{{cite web |title=France Positions to Equip Cyprus with Leclerc Tanks and Mistral Missiles in Response to Turkish Ambitions |url=https://armyrecognition.com/news/army-news/army-news-2024/france-positions-to-equip-cyprus-with-leclerc-tanks-and-mistral-missiles-in-response-to-turkish-ambitions |website=armyrecognition.com |publisher=Army Recognition |access-date=23 December 2024}}</ref>
* {{Flag|India}}: In January 2022 Nexter officials were contacted by India on participating in the [[Future Ready Combat Vehicle]] program with the proposal of the [[Leclerc XLR]] MBT.<ref name=innex>{{cite web | url=https://www.armyrecognition.com/defense_news_january_2022_global_security_army_industry/nexter_from_france_could_propose_modernized_leclerc_tank_for_replacement_of_indian_t-72_mbts.html | title=Nexter from France could propose modernized Leclerc tank for replacement of Indian T-72 MBTS &#124; Defense News January 2022 Global Security army industry &#124; Defense Security global news industry army year 2022 &#124; Archive News year | date=January 2022 }}</ref>
* {{Flag|Croatia}}: In April 2022 talks were held between Nexter representatives and Croatian delegation about possible acquisition of [[Leclerc XLR]] tanks for [[Croatian Army]].<ref name=hr22>{{Cite web |title=Francuzi bi HV mogli opremiti i borbenim tenkovima Leclerc |url=https://www.poslovni.hr/hrvatska/francuzi-bi-hv-mogli-opremiti-i-borbenim-tenkovima-leclerc-4332987 |date=2022-04-14 |language=hr}}</ref>
*{{Flag|Ukraine}}: In January 2023, French President Macron stated that he was considering sending Leclerc tanks to the [[Ukrainian Ground Forces]].<ref>{{cite web | url=https://news.yahoo.com/macron-does-not-rule-supply-181812094.html | title=Macron does not rule out supply of Leclerc tanks to Ukraine at press conference with Scholz | date=22 January 2023 }}</ref>

==See also==
* [[List of main battle tanks by generation]]
{{clear}}

==References==
{{reflist|40em}}

==Bibliography== 
* Chassillan, Marc (2005). ''Char Leclerc: De la guerre froide aux conflits de demain''.
* Chassillan, Marc (2001). ''Raids Hors-série N.3: les chars de combat en action''.
* {{cite book |last=IISS |title=The Military Balance 2020|year=2020 |publisher=Routledge |isbn=978-0367466398}}

==External links==
{{Commons}}
* [https://web.archive.org/web/20060104050556/http://www.defense-update.com/products/l/leclerc.htm Leclerc program update]
* [http://armour.ws/leclerc-mbt/ Leclerc MBT article on Armour.ws] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101226173556/http://armour.ws/leclerc-mbt/ |date=2010-12-26 }}
* [http://www.peachmountain.com/5star/Museum_Tanks_Musee_des_Blindes_Saumur_LeClerc.asp Leclerc tank photos @ 5 Star General site]
* {{in lang|fr}} {{usurped|[https://web.archive.org/web/20161205154956/http://ultimaratio-blog.org/archives/8148 Ultima Ratio blog]}}
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{{ModernFrenchAFVs}}
{{French Army Vehicle}}
{{Post-Cold War tanks|style=wide}}

[[Category:Main battle tanks of France]]
[[Category:Main battle tanks of the United Arab Emirates]]
[[Category:KNDS France]]
[[Category:Post–Cold War main battle tanks]]
[[Category:Tanks with autoloaders]]
[[Category:Military vehicles introduced in the 1990s]]
[[Category:Philippe Leclerc de Hauteclocque]]