Germany on the 9th denied it had decided to withdraw from the Franco‑German joint programme to develop the next‑generation tank, after the French army chief said a day earlier Berlin had quit the Main Ground Combat System (MGCS). A German defence ministry spokesperson said the two countries agreed months ago to adjust the MGCS to incorporate lessons from Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, but that did not mean the project had failed. Germany said it remains committed to equal partnership with France

Germany on the 9th denied it had decided to withdraw from the Franco‑German joint programme to develop the next‑generation tank, after the French army chief said a day earlier Berlin had quit the Main Ground Combat System (MGCS). A German defence ministry spokesperson said the two countries agreed months ago to adjust the MGCS to incorporate lessons from Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, but that did not mean the project had failed. Germany said it remains committed to equal partnership with France and that cooperation will focus on future armoured‑combat technologies. The MGCS, launched in 2017, is intended to replace France’s Leclerc and Germany’s Leopard 2 main battle tanks from about 2045.