Moreover, there are currently 14 different base models of MBTs in Europe for a total of roughly 5,100 platforms in use, creating significant interoperability challenges.ĭespite this shortcoming, there is currently no real European project for the production of a new generation of MBTs. Upgrading heavy land platforms is one important dimension of this effort, particularly with regards to the development of a new generation Main Battle Tank (MBT), an endeavour which may also provide increased momentum to foster defence integration across the EU.ĭecades of meagre investments and poor upgrade programmes have caused the current obsolescence of MBTs in Europe, leading to a reduction in the total number of available platforms: the tanks available today are just a third of those active in Europe 20 years ago, when they stood at 15,000 units. While such threats are far from over, more conventional forms of military deterrence within NATO should not be overlooked, as they remain essential for an effective and integrated force posture in Europe. The land component of European armies suffered from neglect over the past decades, as emerging asymmetric and hybrid threats pushed states to focus on new types of equipment and capabilities. EU Defence: Franco-German Cooperation and Europe’s Next Generation Battle Tank
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