- KNDS unveiled the CAPINT MBT concept: Leopard 2A8-based with an uncrewed ASCALON 120mm turret
- Targeted for French/European needs in the 2030s, with counter-UAV and open digital architecture
- Also shown: LORAS tracked Boxer 155mm/58 artillery, claiming 60+ km (up to 100 km with special rounds)
European armoured vehicle manufacturer KNDS has unveiled a new main battle tank (MBT) concept intended for the French Armed Forces and other European allies, marrying a next-generation Leopard 2A8 chassis with the uncrewed ASCALON 120mm main gun system.
Unveiled on the opening day of Eurosatory 2026 on 15 June, KNDS stated the CAPINT (CAPacité INTermédiaire/Intermediary Capability) MBT would be powered by a 1,500hp diesel engine, with the uncrewed nature of the turret requiring an autoloader to reload ASCALON gun system.
However, KNDS stated that the CAPINT MBT will offer additional capabilities such as counter-UAV, open digital architecture, and the ability to network with uncrewed ground systems.
KNDS said that it was developing the system with the aim of delivering the first units in the 2030s, with the CAPINT concept serving as KNDS’ proposal for France’s new armoured combat system structure.
The company said that it was developing the system with the aim of delivering the first units in the 2030s.
In its previous guise as Nexter, KNDS provided France with the Leclerc MBT, the last of which was delivered to the French Army in 2007, with the platform currently undergoing the XLR upgrade pathway to keep it relevant until a replacement tank enters service.
Eurosatory is a common enough site for tank concepts intended to showcase technology for prospective French and European requirements, with previous iterations of the event seeing the Leopard 2A7 hull used, among others. Such concepts could eventually migrate into the Franco-German MGCS programme.
The ASCALON turret was first showcased at Eurosatory 2024, and since has gone on to conduct a range of trials and testing, accruing approximately 300 rounds fired from the demonstrator.
Introducing the LORAS tracked artillery
At Eurosatory 2026, KNDS also unveiled a new tracked artillery concept, dubbed LORAS (LOng Range Artillery System).
The concept sees a 155mm/58-calibre gun module mounted to the rear of a tracked Boxer armoured vehicle; a notable difference compared to the wheeled RCH 155 currently being developed for the UK, Germany, and Ukraine.
KNDS stated that the LORAS will have the ability to fire out to 60+km, reaching a range of “up to 100km with special munitions”.
Indeed, a new 58-calibre high explosive munition is currently under development by KNDS France.
