Exclusive Report: France Reveals New Fully Modernized Leclerc XLR Tank in National Military Parade.

For the first time, the French Army has presented its most advanced main battle tank, the Leclerc XLR, during the traditional Bastille Day military parade held on July 14, 2025, in Paris. This marks the debut appearance of the upgraded Leclerc variant in a national military ceremony, highlighting its official entry into operational service. The unveiling on the Champs-Élysées underscores the tank's importance in France’s land forces modernization strategy and affirms the country’s determination to showcase cutting-edge military capabilities to both the public and international observers.
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The French Army's new Leclerc XLR main battle tank is seen during rehearsal for the 2025 Bastille Day military parade in Paris, marking its first public appearance as part of France's SCORPION modernization program. (Picture source: army Recognition Group)

The Leclerc XLR MBT (Main Battle Tank) represents the backbone of the SCORPION program, France’s ambitious initiative to overhaul and digitize its land forces. Developed by Nexter, a KNDS company, the XLR features substantial enhancements over the original Leclerc, including a fully integrated Scorpion Information and Command System (SICS), improved battlefield networking, and advanced defensive systems. These updates allow the tank to operate seamlessly with other SCORPION combat vehicles such as the Jaguar EBRC and Griffon VBMR, ensuring faster data sharing and coordinated firepower in high-intensity operations.

Visually distinguishable by its new remotely operated T2 turret with a 7.62mm machine gun and reinforced armor package, the Leclerc XLR is also equipped with a new-generation fire control system and improved threat detection sensors. Enhanced with mine and IED protection as well as new situational awareness tools, the XLR is tailored for modern conflicts where hybrid and asymmetric threats prevail. Its operational performance is further boosted by a revamped powerpack and improved mobility systems, ensuring superior maneuverability on diverse terrain.

The public appearance of the French Army Leclerc XLR tank in Paris is a symbolic affirmation of France's strategic defense priorities, emphasizing national sovereignty, technological superiority, and rapid force readiness. With dozens of upgraded Leclerc XLR tanks now delivered to frontline units, the French Army has begun a new era of armored warfare integration, preparing its mechanized forces for joint and network-centric combat environments. The presence of the XLR during Bastille Day also served as a demonstration of France’s industrial defense base, highlighting Nexter’s capacity to deliver on-time and battle-ready solutions for the twenty-first century battlefield.

The Leclerc XLR’s deployment not only strengthens national defense but also reinforces France’s role within NATO and European defense cooperation frameworks. As interest in modern MBT capabilities grows globally, the Leclerc XLR stands as a powerful symbol of French innovation and battlefield resilience.

Technically, the Leclerc XLR integrates a suite of significant upgrades over the original Leclerc S2 configuration, focusing on survivability, connectivity, and interoperability. At the heart of the modernization is the SICS (Système d’Information du Combat Scorpion), a digital battle management system that transforms the tank into a fully networked combat platform. The SICS enables real-time data sharing with other units and command elements, enhancing situational awareness and operational responsiveness.

The main gun remains the GIAT 120mm smoothbore cannon, but the fire control system has been entirely digitized, improving first-hit probability, target tracking, and engagement speed. The addition of a remotely operated T2 turret from Arquus, armed with a 7.62mm machine gun, significantly enhances close-range defensive capabilities without exposing the crew. Protection upgrades include the installation of modular armor packs for 360-degree threat coverage, reinforced belly armor against mines, and the Barage system for electronic countermeasures against IEDs and drones.

Furthermore, the driver is now equipped with enhanced optronic systems, including a new rear-view camera and advanced thermal imaging. The commander and gunner benefit from new multi-spectral sensors, increasing target acquisition range and identification accuracy under all weather conditions. An updated power distribution unit and improved cooling systems have also been added to support the energy demands of new electronics and sensors, while maintaining mobility and stealth.

Compared to earlier variants, the new French Army  Leclerc XLR tank is not just a better-protected or better-connected vehicle; it is an entirely new node in France’s digital battlefield ecosystem. Its capability to share intelligence, prioritize targets, and synchronize movements with other SCORPION assets elevates the French armored corps to meet both peer-level and unconventional threats. The result is a platform that not only retains the firepower and mobility legacy of the original Leclerc but also evolves it into a frontline enabler for joint, high-tech combat operations.