A French Leclerc Tank Took Down a Drone Using a Canister Round

Leclerc Tank Put to the Test

According to НВ — Техно: In a recent trial, the French Leclerc main battle tank successfully shot down an unmanned aerial vehicle with a 120-mm canister round known as the OEFC F1. This exercise is part of broader efforts to counter FPV drones, quadcopters, and loitering munitions at short range.

The OEFC F1 round, produced by KNDS France, releases roughly 1,100 tungsten pellets traveling at 1,410 meters per second, with an effective range of up to 500 meters. It is fired from the tank's smoothbore CN120-26/52 gun, which uses 120×570 mm ammunition compliant with NATO standards.

Adapting to Emerging Threats

These trials were directed by the CCF, a body established on August 1, 2023. The CCF's primary mission is to adapt to new threats that have become evident since 2022 in Ukraine. In this context, the Leclerc tank demonstrates fresh capabilities for countering drones, addressing a vulnerability highlighted during the conflict.

“The trials targeted a weakness identified since 2022 in Ukraine: the limited effectiveness of conventional armored defensive systems and machine guns against low-altitude FPV drones operating in close proximity to armored vehicles.”

The OEFC F1 round is specifically designed for close-quarters anti-personnel combat, convoy protection, trench clearing, and urban warfare. This makes it a valuable tool in modern military conflicts where drones play a significant role.

It is also worth noting that the CCF consolidates several entities into a single structure:

• The Command Doctrine and Leadership Training Center
• The French Army's Technical Department
• The Army Combat Laboratory
• The Scorpion Combat Expertise Force

Innovations like the Leclerc tank demonstrate the military's active adaptation to contemporary threats. The round's operating principle resembles naval close-in weapon systems (CIWS), such as Phalanx or Goalkeeper. These efforts underscore the need for continuous arsenal upgrades to ensure combat effectiveness in new environments.

The Leclerc tank trials highlight the growing importance of integrating new technologies into military operations, especially in modern conflicts where drones have become a serious threat. Adapting army forces to challenges like unmanned aerial vehicles emphasizes the necessity of innovation in military strategies and tactics, which could shape future combat scenarios.

As military technology evolves, various nations are exploring innovative solutions to combat aerial threats. For instance, Ukraine has recently deployed an AI-enhanced turret designed to effectively neutralize enemy drones. This highlights a growing trend in modern warfare where both ground and aerial systems are adapting to counter emerging drone capabilities.