Historical Note

The Leclerc S2 is the second production series of the French main battle tank, developed by Nexter Systems. Production ran from 1997 to 2003, with a total of 176 vehicles of this variant built. Compared to the first series, the S2 introduced an improved air conditioning system, a modernized transmission, new optical devices, and reinforced armor for both the turret and hull. The tank was designed with potential deployment in desert environments in mind, receiving an enhanced cooling system and reliable air filtration.

Today, the Leclerc S2 in its original configuration has been retired from active service. French variants are being upgraded to the XLR standard, while export versions in the Middle East have been adapted for desert and urban combat.

Leclerc S2 (Rank XIV)

Brief Overview

• Strengths: 120 mm cannon with an autoloader delivering a 5-second reload, excellent mobility, good internal layout, strong turret protection, and blowout panels.
• Weaknesses: Weak lower frontal plate and limited gun mantlet armor.
• Role in battle: A highly mobile tank combining a high rate of fire with strong turret protection.

In Battle

In terms of mobility, the S2 is a match for the "Abrams" and "Leopards" – reaching up to 80 km/h forward, while a 42 km/h reverse speed allows it to withdraw behind cover quickly. Unlike many Soviet tanks, there is no need to turn around to disengage – simply reverse and disappear!

The pride of France's new top tier is its 120 mm GIAT CN120-26 F1 smoothbore cannon, fed by an autoloader with a 5-second reload – noticeably faster than most competitors. The Leclerc S2's ammunition selection includes two types of APFSDS, among them the OFL 120 F1 with over 570 mm of penetration.

Armor and survivability present a more nuanced picture. The turret offers excellent protection, capable of withstanding many modern APFSDS rounds head-on, and blowout panels protect the crew from ammunition detonation. The upper frontal plate of the hull can also absorb hits.

The lower frontal plate, however, is only 50 mm thick, and the sides measure just 10–35 mm – vulnerable to nearly any threat. Position selection is therefore critical, and close-quarters brawls should be avoided wherever possible, as the Leclerc's weak spots become easy targets at short range.

The Leclerc S2 excels in dynamic, aggressive combat. Stay mobile, catch opponents off guard, and avoid exposing the vulnerable hull. Mobility and rate of fire are the French tank's defining advantages – let them dictate how and where you fight. Good luck in battle, commanders!, au revoir

Premium version of the Leclerc S2 (Rank XIV)

The Premium variant is an extra tank for your hangar! The premium tank maintains the same performance as the standard variant, though it comes in a unique camouflage. With this premium tank you’ll be able to enjoy faster Silver Lion and Research Point gains, and earn some Golden Eagles in your battles.

* The characteristics apply to a fully upgraded vehicle with a level 100 crew.

If you’re lucky enough to unlock both the premium and the standard variants, you will be able to use them both in the same battle!

*Vehicle specifications and camouflages are still work in progress and may differ on release.

Leclerc S2 (Rank XIV) will appear in War Thunder Mobile (WTM) in the "Final Frontier" seasonal update.