KNDS has unveiled a new main battle tank for European customers featuring an uncommon number of guns to tackle various threats.
Presented at Eurosatory 2024, the Enhanced Main Battle Tank (E-MBT) features a 140-millimeter Ascalon main gun with an autoloader that can hold up to 22 rounds.
It is also armed with a coaxial 20×102-millimeter automatic gun and a remote-controlled weapon station with another 30-millimeter gun.
Apart from its firepower, the new E-MBT boasts enhanced survivability features with its Prometheus active protection system with integral top-attack protection.
But the most unusual feature of the new armored vehicle is its artificial intelligence-enabled fire control system, which facilitates the autonomous selection and queuing of weapon systems to attack targets in order of priority.
It has a name now – EMBT ADT 140 (or ADT140, a lack of consistency in comms on these tank names this year from KNDS). ADT standing for ASCALON Demonstrator Turret. Its mentioned that KNDS are looking to demonstrate fire on the move with the ADT140 next month. #tanktwitter pic.twitter.com/DPac4K3IPT
— Jon Hawkes (@JonHawkes275) June 17, 2024
A Larger Project
The unveiling of the E-MBT was part of KNDS’ efforts to anticipate the Franco-German Main Ground Combat System (MGCS) project.
Expected to enter service in 2035, the MGCS will replace the European Leopard 2 and Leclerc tanks.
The consortium has already showcased its ability to develop a combat vehicle with an unmanned turret for the larger European project.
The E-MBT features six anti-drone radars, four laser and missile warning sensors, and an acoustic gunshot detector.
It provides 360-degree coverage of the surroundings for enhanced situational awareness.
The new tank is scheduled for a firing-on-the-move demonstration in 2025.
