France develops anti-drone grilles for Leclerc tank

5 December, 2024 Leclerc tank with protective grilles. December 2024, France. Photo: @ForcesOperation

The French military has started exploring anti-drone solutions for its Leclerc tanks. Analysts from Forcesoperations have published a photo showing a Leclerc with protective grills. The tank protection was presented at the Larzac Camp, where the latest technologies were demonstrated.

The French publication Midi Libre reported that the latest solutions will be deployed in 2025 in various units. The innovations, developed by STAT (Army Technical Section), were presented to French generals and Chief of Staff Pierre Schill.

French drones. December 2024.

France. Photo: midilibre.fr

The frontal and side parts of the Leclerc tank's hull and turret are made of multi-layer armor. An important step in ensuring the vehicle's protection was using a modular design of armor for the frontal parts of the hull and turret.

However, the systems on the turret are not well protected and can be easily hit by attack drones or dropped by drones. The French also installed protective grills on the sides of the tank, presumably in an effort to protect the tank's engine.

Leclerc tank with protective grilles. December 2024, France. Photo: @ForcesOperation

The grill also reinforced the turret niche, which holds 22 shells.

The shells are fed from it by an automatic loading device, and the gun niche itself is separated from the crew and has knockout panels.

Shells placement in the Leclerc tank

At the same time, the Leclerc tank itself is currently undergoing an evolution. KNDS has recently unveiled its latest achievement in armored technology - the Leclerc Evolution tank.

The Leclerc Evolution represents a new concept with four crew members adapted to modern tactical situations.