The desert camo is commonly known as Daguet Camo, named after the French military operation during the Persian Gulf War, aka Operation Desert Storm. The pattern was first used on French military vehicles a few years before being adopted by infantry units.įrance is the only European country that runs this particular camouflage which keeps their kit unique compared to other European nations.įor desert operations, the French use the same camouflage pattern but with a desert color palette of tans and light browns. These colors help conceal French troops in a European forest environment. It draws inspiration from the US camouflage M81 Woodland, however, with a larger striping pattern. This pattern is broken down into four color shades: olive green, dark brown, tan, and blackish-brown. The French Army has used the Leclerc to conduct overseas missions in Lebanon, Estonia, and Romania.What is the standard camouflage of the French military? Since 1991, the French military has primarily used a camo pattern known as Central Europe Camouflage. It also integrated a 7.62-millimeter remotely-operated turret to support urban combat.Īdditionally, the tank is now fitted with a new fire control system, allowing operators to fire ammunition using a programmable effect or trigger. The recent upgrade includes enhanced protection against mines and rockets. It is operated by three personnel: a tank commander, gunner, and pilot. The Leclerc is a third-generation, 60-ton tank armed with a 120-millimeter smoothbore gun and a 12.7-millimeter coaxial machine gun. Nexter plans to deliver its first 18 upgraded Leclerc main battle tanks this year. It features the Scorpion collaborative warfare system - a digital backbone connecting vehicles for so-called “collaborative combat.” The contract was awarded amid continuing industrial qualification tests in close cooperation with the agency and the French Army.Īccording to the company, the first prototype tank was handed over at the end of 2022. The French defense procurement agency has ordered 50 upgraded Leclerc main battle tanks from local defense firm Nexter.

French modern tanks