KNDS Group (a merger of France’s NEXTER and Germany’s KMW) participated in the EDEX 2023 exhibition held in Cairo, Egypt on December 4-7, 2023. 

The company showcased its solutions for the modernization of the armored units of the Egyptian Armed Forces as well as its wide range of products for land, air, and naval defence.

According to the company itself, KNDS has been already developing its partnership with Egypt since 2015, when it delivered 46 CAESAR 6×6 self-propelled howitzers to the Egyptian Army. 

The company is now offering its latest generation of armored vehicles to the Egyptian armored brigades, including:

• The Leclerc MBT (click for more), Nexter’s revolutionary approach to combat vehicle design. This 3rd generation Main Battle Tank integrates distinctive features like the ammunition autoloader and the ability to fire while in mobile and stationary modes.
• The VBCI MkII T40, an 8×8 Infantry Fighting Vehicle currently in service with the French Army, that can carry up to 11 soldiers. It is armed with a 40 mm cased telescoped weapon system (CTWS) along with an Akeron MP missile launcher pod. The VBCI MkII T40 can be integrated into a networked combat system.
• The JAGUAR, a 6×6 combat and reconnaissance vehicle that is part of the SCORPION program of the French Army. The JAGUAR is armed with a 40 mm CTWS, a 7.62 mm coaxial machine gun, an Akeron MP medium-range missile system, and two GALIX grenade launchers. The JAGUAR features a high level of operational situational awareness, survivability, and agility.
• The RAPIDFire, a land version of the naval turret that is mounted on a 6×6 chassis. The RAPIDFire is a multi-role weapon system that can engage air and ground targets with a 40 mm CTWS and a STARStreak missile system. The RAPIDFire can operate autonomously or in coordination with other systems and can be deployed rapidly.
• TITUS, the 6×6 wheeled armored vehicle incorporates Nexter’s ARX 20 turret. This multi-role armored vehicle (e.g. for troop transport, reconnaissance, NBC, artillery support) is adapted to the geography of the Middle East, thanks to its engine and cross capabilities.

The company also showcased its artillery system family, including the CAESAR 6×6 and 8×8 self-propelled howitzers and the 105LG light gun as well as its NERVA range of land robots equipped with various mission kits, such as reconnaissance and counter-IED kits.

In addition, KNDS exhibited its medium-calibre weapons, such as the 30mm gun of the Rafale fighter jet and the NARWHAL 20mm naval turret as well as its whole range of ammunition for main battle tanks, naval and land artillery systems. Among them, the KATANA, a high-precision guided 155 mm ammunition that can hit targets up to 60 km away with an accuracy of less than 10 meters.

The showcase also included the ARX 30 remote-controlled turret, armed with the 30mm gun from the Tiger helicopter, designed for the protection of platforms and convoys. Additionally, the ARX 25 remote-controlled turret, equipped with the 25mm gun from the French Army’s VBCI, was also showcased with superior capabilities for ground combat, extended range and firepower.

As Egypt is showing interest in purchasing main battle tanks, KNDS is promoting its Enhanced Main Battle Tank (EMBT), a 4th generation MBT. The EMBT merges features like a 22-round 120 mm autoloader, a chassis with 7 road wheels, and a 1,500 hp powerpack into a new, enhanced design. 

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This new system demonstrator is equipped with the 120 mm gun and autoloader from the Leclerc MBT, along with the latest technologies like a new digital architecture, an ARX 30, and an additional 4th crew member serving as a “deputy commander” with a hard-kill active protection system (APS).

Also read: DSEI 2023 | KNDS presents EuroPULS multi-launch rocket system