Paris, — France has delivered the first two refurbished turbomachines for its Leclerc main battle tank fleet, marking the start of a new state-run maintenance program aimed at maintaining the tanks' operational availability and bringing critical heavy maintenance work under government control.
First Two Units Delivered
The French Directorate General of Armaments (DGA) and the Aeronautical Industrial Service (SIAé) announced on October 2 that the first two turbomachines had completed NTI3 (Technical Intervention Level 3) maintenance at the Aeronautical Industrial Workshop (AIA) in Bordeaux.
The units were delivered to the French Army ahead of schedule, with post-maintenance testing confirming that they had recovered their original performance levels.
Turbomachine's Role in the Leclerc
The refurbished units are TM-307B turbomachines, a key component of the Leclerc's V8X-1500 Hyperbar diesel propulsion system.
The turbomachine supplies compressed air to the engine's cylinders, increasing the air available for combustion and supporting the engine's 1,500-horsepower output. It can also provide auxiliary power for the tank's systems when the main engine is shut down.
Maintenance Capability Restored in France
The decision to restore domestic NTI3 maintenance capability followed a DGA-led study focused on securing long-term maintenance of the Leclerc turbomachines.
In July 2023, the DGA awarded the maintenance contract to SIAé, with AIA Bordeaux responsible for the industrial work. Safran Helicopter Engines, the original designer of the turbomachine, is supporting the program as a subcontractor.
KNDS, the Leclerc's industrial prime contractor, also participated in the earlier reindustrialisation study.
The DGA said performing the overhaul at AIA Bordeaux reduced costs compared with quotations received from private industry.
Production Target From 2027
The first two deliveries move the program from its reindustrialisation phase into regular production. AIA Bordeaux is expected to refurbish 25 Leclerc turbomachines annually from 2027.
Responsibility for monitoring the maintenance contract is transitioning from the DGA to France's Integrated Structure for the Operational Maintenance of Land Equipment (SIMMT) within the Ministry of the Armed Forces.
The maintenance activity is planned to continue until at least 2039, supporting the Leclerc fleet, including tanks upgraded to the XLR standard.
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