In a pivotal step for European defense modernization, four major defense companies—KNDS Deutschland, KNDS France, Rheinmetall Landsysteme, and Thales—have formally established the MGCS Project Company GmbH (MPC). The new entity, headquartered in Germany, will serve as the industrial engine of the Main Ground Combat System (MGCS) program, a Franco-German initiative to redefine the future of armored warfare in Europe.
The creation of MPC marks a critical milestone in the long-anticipated MGCS effort. Originally conceived to replace aging platforms like Germany’s Leopard 2 and France’s Leclerc main battle tanks, MGCS aims to deliver a family of highly advanced, networked combat systems that embody the next generation of land warfare. With the formalization of the joint company, the participating nations and industry partners are signaling their commitment to moving from concept to capability.
The founding partners of MPC each bring a distinct and complementary set of capabilities. KNDS Deutschland, formerly known as Krauss-Maffei Wegmann, provides deep expertise in heavy armor and vehicle design. KNDS France, previously Nexter, contributes advanced turret systems, weaponry, and vehicle subsystems. Rheinmetall Landsysteme, one of Germany’s largest defense contractors, offers cutting-edge technologies in firepower, survivability, and vehicle mobility. Thales, the French electronics powerhouse, rounds out the group with its leadership in optronics, command-and-control systems, and secure digital communications.
Together, these four companies will jointly steer the design, development, and eventual production of the MGCS suite. Each partner holds an equal stake in MPC, ensuring a balanced approach to governance, workshare, and industrial integration. This structure is designed to avoid the pitfalls of past multinational programs by creating a single point of industrial coordination under a unified company.
As managing director, Dipl.-Ing. Dipl.-Wirt. Ing. Stefan Gramolla, a Colonel (G.S. German Armed Forces Reserve), is leading the new venture.
The MGCS program itself is far more ambitious than a single tank replacement. At its core will be a next-generation main battle tank featuring a modular architecture, state-of-the-art survivability measures, and future-proofed firepower options. Developers are currently evaluating new large-caliber cannon systems—potentially 130mm or 140mm designs—to increase battlefield lethality over existing systems significantly.
Beyond the main platform, MGCS envisions a broader “system of systems” approach. The project aims to integrate the core tank with a range of connected assets, including unmanned ground vehicles, drone swarms, electronic warfare tools, and decentralized command posts. All of these elements will operate through a shared digital architecture, leveraging AI, secure communications, and real-time battlefield data to enable coordinated maneuvers and rapid decision-making.
Another central focus of MPC will be the development of a common fire control and sensing suite that can unify targeting, reconnaissance, and threat detection across platforms. This capability is being driven by Thales and KNDS technologies and will ensure that MGCS units maintain situational awareness in even the most complex and contested environments. At the same time, Rheinmetall and Thales are leading the charge on developing a resilient, open-architecture digital backbone that supports interoperability, cybersecurity, and long-term upgradability.
The program is also placing heavy emphasis on modularity and lifecycle sustainability. MGCS systems will be designed from the outset for ease of upgrade and maintenance, using standardized subsystems and flexible architectures that can evolve to meet new threats and mission profiles.
Strategically, the formation of the MGCS Project Company GmbH signals a renewed push by Europe’s two leading defense powers to develop sovereign, next-generation land systems independent of external suppliers. With NATO allies placing growing urgency on readiness and modernization, MGCS is seen as both a symbol and instrument of European defense integration.
The program also reflects a new model for multinational defense cooperation—one that prioritizes industrial leadership, unified management, and streamlined execution over the traditional patchwork of national contracts and overlapping responsibilities. With early development already underway and demonstrator platforms expected within the next several years, MGCS is on track to enter operational service in the 2035–2040 timeframe.
A military history enthusiast, Richard began at Forecast International as editor of the World Weapons Weekly newsletter. As the Internet grew in importance as a research tool, he helped design the company's Forecast Intelligence Center and currently coordinates the EMarket Alert newsletters for clients. Richard also manages social media efforts, including two new blogs: Defense & Security Monitor, covering defense systems and international issues, and Flight Plan, which focuses on commercial aviation and space systems. For over 30 years, Richard has authored the Defense & Aerospace Companies, Volume I (North America) and Volume II (International) services. The two books provide detailed data on major aerospace and defense contractors. He also edits the International Contractors service, a database that tracks all the contractors involved in the programs covered in the FI library. More recently he was appointed Manager, Information Services Group (ISG), a new unit that encompasses developing outbound content for both Forecast International and Military Periscope.
