PARIS : The French Defence Procurement Agency (DGA) has placed an order for several thousand SHARD 120mm Armour-Piercing Fin-Stabilized Discarding Sabot (APFSDS) rounds with KNDS Ammo France, marking a step in the modernization of France’s main battle tank ammunition inventory.
The SHARD projectile — short for Solution for Hardened Armour Defeat — has been developed specifically for high-intensity combat environments. The ammunition is fully compatible with all NATO-standard 120mm smoothbore gun systems, allowing seamless integration across multiple Western main battle tank (MBT) platforms. These include the Leclerc, Leopard 2, and M1 Abrams.
Technical Design and Ballistic Characteristics
The SHARD round features an optimized kinetic energy design intended to enhance armor penetration performance while reducing system stress. At the core of the projectile is a next-generation elongated tungsten alloy penetrator, developed in partnership with Plansee Tungsten Alloys. The penetrator is paired with a lightweight aluminum sabot to improve ballistic efficiency.
According to validated performance data, the round achieves a muzzle velocity of 1,720 meters per second when fired from the Leclerc’s L52 120mm smoothbore gun. Testing confirms a 15 percent increase in penetration capability against modern heavily armored main battle tanks compared to previous-generation ammunition. The projectile also demonstrates improved low-dispersion characteristics, enhancing accuracy at extended engagement ranges.
In addition to increased lethality, the SHARD round incorporates an optimized, REACH-compliant propulsion system. The redesigned configuration reduces chamber pressure during firing, resulting in a 25 percent reduction in barrel wear. This decrease in mechanical stress extends barrel service life and reduces maintenance intervals for tank gun systems.
Platform Compatibility and Validation Trials
The SHARD ammunition has undergone extensive live-fire validation trials prior to procurement. Tests were conducted on the Leclerc as well as the Leopard 2 equipped with both L44 and L55 barrel variants. The trials confirmed operational compatibility, performance consistency, and integration across different gun lengths and configurations.
The round is also fully ITAR-free, meaning it is not subject to U.S. International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR). This simplifies export procedures and logistical coordination for partner nations operating compatible 120mm smoothbore platforms.
Strategic and Industrial Implications
The procurement strengthens France’s domestic defense industrial base by relying on nationally manufactured next-generation ammunition. KNDS Ammo France will produce the SHARD rounds, reinforcing sovereign production capacity and supply chain independence.
French defense officials state that the acquisition supports the operational readiness of armored cavalry units by providing enhanced kinetic energy capability against modern armored threats. The integration of the SHARD round into existing tank fleets ensures NATO interoperability while maintaining compliance with European regulatory standards.
With this order, France advances the modernization of its armored warfare capabilities while improving the service life and operational efficiency of its main battle tank platforms.
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