- Yes
- No
- As a rank 7 or 8 premium vehicle
- As an event vehicle
- As a squadron vehicle
- I’m not interested
I’m Jordanian as expressed in my Al-Hussein Hybrid (AHT) 2010 suggestion for the UK and currently a regular French tanker, which made me consider suggesting this tank.
Currently France doesn’t have a premium whose research covers all tiers - only up until rank 6 with the AMX-30 Super and the VBCI-2. I’m grinding rank 8 right now, and it’s quite slow. In my opinion, the Zayed can be a perfect candidate for a premium - either as a rank 7 parallel to the Leclerc Serie 1 in the tech tree (although the Zayed comes with upgrades) or as a rank 8 similar to how the Germans have just received the Leopard 2A4M.
But why not suggest it as an Emirati Leclerc?
Well for three reasons: I’m Jordanian, we already have Jordan in the game (the Khalid is there) and I would like for the country to be further represented. It also comes with an official nickname to separate it from the others in the tech tree unlike the UAE version, but more importantly the Jordanian Army has a habit of upgrading their existing vehicles.
The Jordanian variant has potential to be improved in the future and provide France with further strength. It may see foreign rounds like the KE-W, upgraded IFCS or even upgraded armor in the future. Sooner or later we can expect KADDB to modify it.
EDIT: It turns out there are three different XLTs. We could get this one which is the CLARA version as a premium that’s future-proof since it’s likely to get upgrades by Jordan’s KADDB, and an Emirati Leclerc XLT as a squadron vehicle.
The Leclerc tank, named after General Philippe Leclerc who led the French 2nd Armored Division in World War II, stands as a testament to French engineering prowess. Developed in the late 1970s and 1980s by GIAT Industries (now Nexter Systems), this formidable main battle tank entered service with the French Army in 1992.
Built to replace the aging AMX-30, the Leclerc brought cutting-edge technology to the battlefield. Its advanced modular armor provides exceptional protection against a variety of threats, while a powerful 120mm smoothbore gun ensures superior firepower. The tank’s mobility is unmatched, thanks to a 1,500-horsepower engine and hydropneumatic suspension, allowing it to navigate diverse terrains with agility.
Internationally renowned for its performance, the Leclerc has seen combat deployments in various conflicts, including in Kosovo, Lebanon, and Afghanistan, showcasing its reliability and effectiveness in modern warfare scenarios. Beyond France, the United Arab Emirates is a notable user of the Leclerc, with a modified variant tailored to their operational needs, and as recently as 2020 - Jordan also became an official operator of it, making them the third.
As part of a deal to strengthen political and relationship ties between the two Middle Eastern nations - the UAE decided to donate 80 Leclerc tanks to Jordan in late 2020. During October, the army announced its acquisition of the Leclerc and conducted military exercises to familiarize their tank crews with it. As customary of Jordan, images and videos were released on social media for patriotic reasons.
The Zayed is a Leclerc Serie 1 but modified to meet Middle Eastern needs and is potentially set to receive further upgrades by KADDB - the ones behind the Al-Hussein Hybrid Tank, the M60 Phoenix, Tariq-1, Tariq-2 among others. Potential upgrades could include new ammunition, additional armor protection and upgraded IFCS.
In-game, the Zayed will provide much needed support for France’s top tier lineups and in a sense; future proof, since it’s upgradeable through Jordanian fashion. However, the tank already has differences that impact could impact gameplay: it comes with HE shells, a V12 diesel engine with more power but less torque, CLARA ERA side armor with 8 panels, an additional machine gun, improved IFCS and more (see below).
Spoiler
1- Lengthened hull
2- 27.4 liter diesel V12 MTU MT 883 which delivers up to 1,500 horsepower (less torque than the French Leclerc’s V8)
3- Heavier by 2.5 tons
4- Additional 7.62mm ATO machine gun slaved to the panoramic sight
5- High-explosive 120mm shell available
6- Improved gunner optics (x14 zoom whereas the French one has x10)
7- Superior CLARA ERA side armor
8- Eight panels of side armor instead of 3
8- Laser rangefinder and 1st gen thermal imager
9- German HSWL 295 TM transmission with five reverse gears providing up to 72 km/h for reverse driving
10- Higher fuel capacity
There are more differences but they’re mostly visual like protected headlights and whatnot, plus the potential KADDB upgrades.
Here are some basic stats:
- Hull length: 7.03 m
- Width: 3.43 m (3.6 m with CLARA)
- Combat weight: 57 tonnes
- Engine power: 1,500 hp at 2700 RPM
- Engine max torque: 4,500 nm at 2000 RPM
- Top speed: 72 km/h (forwards and in reverse)
- Main Armament: 120mm GIAT CN120-26 F1 cannon with 40 rounds; capable of firing OFL 120 G1 & OFL 120 F1 and F2 APFSDS, OCC 120 G1 HEAT-FS and upgraded to fire HE
- Auxiliary Armament: 12.7mm MIT CRC F1 turret machine gun + 7.62mm ATO remote-controlled machine gun
- User: Jordan (in service: October 2020 - present)
I’m not good at tank suggestions so if there’s anything missing or if I can improve let me know.
This should bolster the French top tier lineup and give it more flavor. More Leclercs are always welcome! It’s not only Russia that’s allowed to have its lineup regularly improved 
References:
Spoiler
Marc Chassillan - Char Leclerc - de La Guerre Froide Aux Conflits de demain-ETAI (2005)
RAIDS - HS 29 - Les Chars en Action T.4
Leclerc MBT - Tank AFV
William Genieys, Laura Michel. The Invention of the Leclerc Tank: The Singular Role of a Project
Elite. French Politics, 2005, 3 (3), pp.187-210. ff10.1057/palgrave.fp.8200086ff. ffhal-02613321f
