On the opening day of Eurosatory 2026, KNDS unveils a new generation ground combat capability based on a Main Battle Tank called CAPINT.
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Press Release, Paris, 15 June 2026: [extract] On the opening day of the 2026 Eurosatory trade show, KNDS unveils a new generation ground combat capability based on a Main Battle Tank (MBT), called CAPINT [CAPacité INTermédiaire] and a new very long-range artillery system family called LORAS (LOng Range Artillery System). Both these new and highly innovative systems are set to shape the future of European land defence and represent two major achievements in leveraging Franco-German top-notch assets and competencies into joint products.
“These systems embody the unique value proposition of KNDS designing and orchestrating system-of-systems capabilities, connecting platforms, sensors, effectors and digital solutions to enhance battlefield effectiveness. We are bringing together French and German capabilities within single, fully integrated solutions designed, developed and supported by one company. It demonstrates our ability to transform European industrial cooperation into concrete capabilities for our customers.” said Jean-Paul Alary, CEO of KNDS
CAPINT ~ KNDS’ proposal for the French MBT next capability: KNDS is Europe’s leader in terms of main battle tank projects, known as the architect of the world’s most renowned MBTs; the LECLERC and the LEOPARD. In this sector, the company is known to master every element of the tank system — firepower, protection, counter-UAV capabilities, mobility and digitalisation. The CAPINT system design is built on this very foundation.
CAPINT is a French national project intended to strengthen the French Army capabilities in the field of main battle tanks and paving the way to the MGCS (Main Ground Combat System). The CAPINT MBT will include set of capacities allowing to answer new requirements of the battlefield as regards firepower, C-UAV capacity, protection, open digital architecture and of connectivity with robotised wingers. More than a single tank, it will be a multiplatform system around a central platform and robotic wings, whose architecture and open digital core will ensure scalability and adaptability. The central platform of KNDS’ proposal relies on a enhanced KNDS Deutschland chassis derived from the Leopard 2 A8, powered by a 1500 HP diesel engine, with excellent power to weight ratio for a superior mobility, and a KNDS France ASCALON turret; unmanned, non-intrusive, and equipped with a state-of-the-art 120mm smoothbore autoloaded gun, ASCALON. KNDS is developing the system with the aim of delivering the first units in the 2030s.
ASCALON represents a revolutionary approach: a family of weapons designed to answer the evolving demands of high-intensity warfare, introducing a scalable weapon architecture capable of transitioning from the current NATO-standard 120mm norm to improved performance and even larger calibres. Based on fully mature technical solutions, this system has already fired approximately 300 rounds. This year, KNDS achieved a world first with a successful dynamic firing campaign from a MBT demonstrator fitted with a remote-control turret in January 2026 in Portugal.
ASCALON offers a highly competitive solution combining superior battlefield performance with optimised lifecycle and acquisition costs. Fully compatible with all NATO-standard 120mm ammunition, it enables customers to maintain and leverage their existing stockpiles while ensuring long-term interoperability. Designed with scalability at its core, ASCALON opens the road to a full family of weapons, supporting evolving operational requirements over the coming decades.
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