Is the leclerc better than the challenger 2?

Answer 1

This is a difficult question to answer, as both tanks have never faced each other in armed combat. However, there are a few categories we can analyze to make a comparison:

First, the Challenger II is five years newer than the Leclerc, coming into service in 1998, compared to 1993 for the Leclerc. The Leclerc, however, has been produced in greater numbers than the Challenger II, with about 860 Leclercs vs 450 Challenger IIs.

Next, the Leclerc and Challenger are both armed with 120mm main guns, however, the Leclerc's is smooth-bored, while the Challenger II's is rifled. Whatever relatively small advantage one gun might have over the other, it is generally accepted that they are roughly equivalent, and neither would have a decisive superiority in a fight. However, the Challenger II holds 52 rounds for its main armament, while the Leclerc carries "only" 41. Nevertheless, in tank-vs-tank combat where both opponents are relatively equal, whoever fires first usually wins, so ammunition capacity will have a smaller impact in this regard.

In terms of their speed, both are relatively fast, but the Leclerc holds an advantage, with a speed of 45 mph (72.5 kph) on roads, compared to the Challenger II's 37 mph (59.5 kph), owing to the Leclerc's more powerful engine (1,500 horsepower vs 1,200 horsepower), and its lighter weight (57.4 tonnes for the latest version vs Challenger II's 62.5 tonnes). The Leclerc has a greater operational range than the Challenger II, 400 miles (650 km) vs 340 miles (550 km).

But all that mobility comes at a price. The Leclerc's modular composite armor, even reinforced with tungsten and titanium, is no match for Challenger II's top-secret Chobham/Dorchester level II armor plate, which, although heavier, makes it one of (if not the) best-protected tanks in the world.

Overall, the question of which is "better" rests upon the role intended for them. As a decisive breakthrough weapon, meant for deep, rapid advances through an enemy front, the Leclerc is the superior system. However, in tank-vs-tank combat, the Challenger II, with its heavy armor and competitive gun (not to say the Leclerc's weapon is inferior), plus its recent combat experience, would be more survivable than its French opponent.