While I agree with you that it was a very wise decision by the Général to retain an independent nuclear deterrent and develop modern aircraft independently, the French tank development has been sorely lacking. There are roughly five times as many Leopard IIs in service as there are Leclercs. I hope the joint development of a next generation tank can deliver, as European armies really should try to work towards a common and independent development of systems.
While I agree with you that it was a very wise decision by the Général to retain an independent nuclear deterrent and develop modern aircraft independently, the French tank development has been sorely lacking. There are roughly five times as many Leopard IIs in service as there are Leclercs. I hope the joint development of a next generation tank can deliver, as European armies really should try to work towards a common and independent development of systems.