Franco-German MGCS Battle Tank Program Moves Ahead with New Project Company

The Franco-German Main Ground Combat System (MGCS) program advanced a step further with the formal establishment of a joint project company on April 10, 2025, in Cologne, Germany.

The newly created MGCS Project Company GmbH (MPC) brings together KNDS Deutschland, KNDS France, Rheinmetall Landsysteme, and Thales. The formation follows clearance by Germany’s Federal Cartel Office. Stefan Gramolla, a graduate engineer and retired colonel, has been appointed as Managing Director.

This joint company will act as the industrial prime contractor for the MGCS program’s next development phase. The company will assume its role following a contract to be negotiated with the Federal Office of Bundeswehr Equipment, Information Technology and In-Service Support (BAAINBw), which represents both France and Germany through a Combined Project Team (CPT).

According to the companies involved, MPC will focus on consolidating the system’s operational concept and critical technologies for the next-generation European tank system.

The MGCS program was launched by the French and German governments to develop a new cross-platform ground combat system to replace Germany’s Leopard 2 and France’s Leclerc main battle tanks by 2040.