Rheinmetall CEO warns Franco-German tank project faces uncertainty

The chief executive of German defence manufacturer Rheinmetall, Armin Papperger, has warned that France could potentially withdraw from the Franco-German Main Ground Combat System (MGCS) programme, raising further doubts over Europe’s flagship joint military development projects.

Speaking to Welt am Sonntag, Papperger said that while no final decision has been taken, “the threat is always there.” He noted that France is reportedly planning significant budget reductions for the MGCS programme, though he stressed that “there are absolutely no decisions on the final budget," foreign media reports. 

According to Papperger, reduced funding could lead to the removal of key technical requirements and further delays in the project. “If you have less money at your disposal, you won’t move any faster, and we’re already way behind schedule,” he said.

The MGCS programme, launched in 2017 by France and Germany, aims to develop a next-generation main battle tank intended to replace Germany’s Leopard 2 and France’s Leclerc systems. It is being developed by a consortium of European defence firms and was originally presented as a cornerstone of European defence cooperation.

Papperger also pointed to broader concerns about Franco-German defence collaboration following difficulties in another major joint programme, the Future Combat Air System (FCAS), which is intended to produce a sixth-generation fighter jet to replace the Eurofighter and Rafale.

On June 8, the German news agency DPA reported, citing government sources, that German Chancellor Friedrich Merz and French President Emmanuel Macron had agreed to terminate the FCAS project, though this has not been officially confirmed by either government.

Under the MGCS framework, participating companies have so far received relatively limited funding over the past decade, estimated at around €25 million in total, according to industry reporting. Despite this, the programme remains in an early development phase, with no clear timeline for deployment.

Even if MGCS were to be delayed or ultimately cancelled, German industry figures argue that Germany could maintain its position as a leading global tank producer. Rheinmetall and KNDS Deutschland have been working on an interim “Leopard 3” concept for approximately one year, with prototype systems expected in the early 2030s. By contrast, MGCS is not expected to reach operational capability before the 2040s.

Papperger expressed uncertainty about the long-term viability of the programme, saying: “Today, I cannot say with certainty whether the MGCS system will even materialise.”

He also argued that deeper European defence consolidation would require stronger political backing.

“If there is a desire to consolidate the defence sector in Europe, then this must be supported at the political level. At the moment, we don’t see that happening,” he said, adding that industry-led integration efforts were being slowed by state-level obstacles in some cases.

By Sabina Mammadli