Europe moves to build supertank with unmanned turret and drone support
Photo: KNDS CAPINT tank (KNDS)
The Franco-German defense alliance KNDS has unveiled a cutting-edge battle tank featuring an unmanned turret and integrated drone systems. The new vehicle is capable of operating as a command center for robotic systems directly on the battlefield, reports Interesting Engineering.
The consortium Krauss-Maffei Wegmann and Nexter presented the CAPINT model at the Eurosatory 2026 exhibition. It combines the proven Leopard 2A8 hull with futuristic technologies. The development is intended to serve as an interim solution in armaments until 2040.
The military plans to receive the first vehicles as early as the next decade. This will allow armies to avoid waiting for the completion of long-term projects. The tank uses an existing logistics chain, which significantly reduces risks during its introduction.
What are the features of the CAPINT tank?
The main change concerns the design: the tank received a fully unmanned turret. The crew no longer sits under the gun but will be located in a specially protected hull of the vehicle, which significantly increases their chances of survival.
The turret itself has become lighter and more compact. The tank is armed with a 120-mm ASCALON gun with an autoloader. The weapon fully complies with NATO standards.
In the future, the caliber can be increased without replacing the entire turret. The design allows adaptation to new threats within days.
Another feature is the presence of its own drones. Thus, the vehicle will act as a mobile command platform.
Capabilities of the new system:
- Reconnaissance drones search for enemy positions ahead;
- Defense systems automatically intercept enemy UAVs;
- Interceptor drones are launched directly from launch tubes on the hull.
A combination of methods is used to counter enemy drones. These include physical destruction and electronic warfare measures.
What about the Ukrainian defense industry?
Ukrainian drones have received a Terminator mode. During a combat test, fully autonomous Ukrainian unmanned aerial vehicles eliminated Russian occupiers for the first time.
In the next three to five years, the war in Ukraine will shift to the format of a battle of operating systems. The Ukrainian Ministry of Defense plans to integrate all drones, robots, and reconnaissance data into a single digital network.
