KNDS Unveils the CAPINT Tank: A Leopard 2 Chassis Paired with an Unmanned Turret

CAPINT Tank Presentation

According to НВ — Техно: On June 22 at 7:00 PM, KNDS introduced its latest battle tank, the CAPINT, built on the Leopard 2 chassis. This vehicle features a remote-controlled, unmanned turret and is armed with a 120 mm smoothbore KNDS ASCALON gun equipped with an autoloader. The CAPINT is designed as an interim solution ahead of the Main Ground Combat System (MGCS) and is scheduled for deployment in the 2030s.

The underlying Leopard 2 chassis is already in serial production. KNDS, the industrial conglomerate behind iconic tanks like the Leopard 2 and Leclerc, employs over 11,000 people. The company projects a revenue of 4.4 billion euros in 2025, with an order backlog reaching 33.1 billion euros.

Technological Advancements of the CAPINT Tank

The CAPINT tank uses the hull of a Leopard 2A8 and is designed for integration with robotic vehicles and drones. Its powerpack consists of a 1,500 hp (1,119 kW) diesel engine, with the option to supplement it with battery packs. The ASCALON gun is compatible with standard NATO ammunition and can be upgraded to larger calibers. Plans also include equipping the tank with companion drones. The U.S.-based AIRO Group Holdings has presented the RQ-70 drone, which is set to enter full-scale production in January 2027.

The CAPINT tank showcases cutting-edge advancements in armored vehicle technology and opens up new possibilities for integrating unmanned systems into combat operations.

The introduction of the CAPINT tank highlights a broader trend toward automation and the incorporation of unmanned technologies in modern military hardware. These innovations are expected not only to boost combat effectiveness but also to shift the focus toward crew safety by reducing risks during engagements. The production and deployment of such tanks could significantly alter the strategic balance in high-tension regions and drive the development of new warfare tactics.

The advancements in unmanned technology are not limited to the CAPINT tank. For instance, the upcoming RQ-70 drone from AIRO Group Holdings is set to revolutionize aerial operations, entering mass production in 2027. This drone complements the trend towards automation in military hardware, enhancing operational capabilities alongside new armored vehicles like the CAPINT.