France, Germany push on with 2040 joint tank project

France and Germany agreed on April 26 to move to the next phase of a project to jointly develop a battle tank by 2040 as they seek fresh impetus despite reservations and differences on each side.

Berlin and Paris in 2017 agreed to work on a joint fighter jet under French lead, estimated to cost some 100 billion euros in total, and also a Franco-German tank to succeed the German Leopard 2 and the French Leclerc, according to Reuters.

Both projects have been plagued by disagreements and delays, further straining Franco-German ties burdened by differences over energy topics and over how far Europe should become independent from the US in its security policy.

The political decision to move to the next phase is important because French and German companies have their own interests, while Paris and Berlin do not see eye to eye on the concept.