France is analyzing the possibility of withdrawing from the Franco-German MGCS project, aimed at the development of battle tanks, due to budget cuts.

Armin Papperger, the CEO of Rheinmetall, stated that France might withdraw from participating in the Franco-German MGCS (Main Ground Combat System) project, aimed at developing a new generation of battle tanks.

Although nothing has been officially decided, French authorities are discussing significant budget cuts, including a possible reduction of funding to less than half of the initial plans. So far, the companies involved have received only 25 million euros, an amount considered insufficient for a large-scale military program. A source from the French government emphasized that the project remains important for both countries, suggesting that Paris has not made a final decision.

The MGCS project, agreed upon in 2017, is set to replace the Leopard 2 and Leclerc tanks, but has been affected by delays and divergences.

Papperger's statements come after information about the abandonment of the joint fighter jet project FCAS, raising questions about European military cooperation. Tensions within the leadership structure of the KNDS company have also contributed to the difficulties in collaboration between Germany and France.