With the MGCS facing a delay of "about a decade", Ms. Vautrin justifies the need for an "interim tank" (opex360.com)

• MGCS project faces decade-long delay
• French government pushes for an interim tank solution
• Concerns regarding European defense industrial autonomy

"The Main Ground Combat System (MGCS) project between France and Germany is facing a projected ten-year delay. To bridge the capability gap and ensure operational readiness, French Minister Vautrin advocates for an 'interim tank' solution. This shift reflects growing concerns over the timeline of European collaborative defense procurement and the immediate need for modern heavy armor in an evolving threat landscape."