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Press Release

The new Nexter turret, a KNDS company, takes off with the upgraded Tiger

22.06.2023

  • The turret's lateral displacement has been increased and its weight reduced thanks to modernized electronics;
  • It will enter service in 2028.

A turret adapted to the upgraded Tiger

Nexter, a KNDS company, is enhancing the performance of its THL30 turret for upgraded Tiger helicopters, the new standard developed by Airbus Helicopters on behalf of OCCAR, and financed by the French and Spanish governments. This work is focused primarily on increasing its lateral clearance to enable it to engage targets at more than 90° to either side.

In addition, on-board electronics are being modernized to optimize weight and volume. These gains are essential to Airbus Helicopters to stay within the weight limit set for the upgraded Tiger, and complete the development of this new standard. The THL30 retrofit kits will be delivered by Nexter to Airbus Helicopters at its sites in Marignane, France and Albacete, Spain.

A combat-proven system

The THL30 is a light turret armed with a 30mm gun and designed specifically for the Tiger helicopter. Developed in the late 1990s and produced in 136 units between 2003 and 2014 for France, Spain and Australia, the THL30 has proved its capacities in numerous theatres of operation, including Afghanistan, Libya and Mali.

The JAGUAR is a 25-tonne armored reconnaissance and combat vehicle (EBRC), equipped with a 40mm telescoped ammunition cannon (CTA) and the MMP missile.

The JAGUAR is a unique vehicle in several ways:

  • Its turret combines three state-of-the-art weapon systems: the Nexter 40mm CTA gun, two MBDA medium-range missiles (MMP) and the T3 Hornet remotely operated turret;
  • Its SCORPION vetronics, developed by Thales, include next-generation optronics (IR/TV, missile departure detectors, laser warning detectors, etc.) and on-board tactical training capability;
  • Its new-generation Arquus chassis, six driving wheels, innovative suspension and 400hp, 25-tonne, engine provide exceptional tactical, operational and strategic mobility.

The GRIFFON is a 24-tonne multi-role armored vehicle. Its variations enable it to carry out a wide range of missions: troop transport, command post, communication relays, artillery observation and 120mm mortar (MEPAC). Deployed in the Sahel from 2021 by the land forces, the GRIFFON presents recognised operational qualities, maintenance facilities and mobility. Other SCORPION vehicles integrate similar devices, such as vetronics and Hornet remotely operated turrets.

Press contact

If you have further questions, please contact:

Christian Budde
KNDS Deutschland GmbH & Co. KG
Krauss-Maffei-Str. 11
D-80997 München

Tel.: +49 89 8140-5498
Fax: +49 89 8140-4977
E-Mail: knds-pressservice (at) knds.de


KNDS is the result of the association of Krauss-Maffei Wegmann and Nexter, two of the leading European manufacturers of military land systems based in Germany and France.

KNDS forms a Group of around 9,500 employees, with a 2023 turnover of 3.3 billion euro, an order backlog of around 16 billion euro and incoming orders of 7.8 billion euro. The range of its products includes main battle tanks, armored vehicles, artillery systems, weapons systems, ammunition, military bridges, customer services, battle management systems, training solutions, protection solutions and a wide range of equipment.

The formation of KNDS represents the beginning of consolidation in land defense systems industry in Europe. The alliance of KMW and Nexter enhances both groups’ competitiveness and international positions, as well as their ability to meet the needs of their respective national army. In addition, KNDS offers to its European and NATO customers the opportunity of increased standardization and interoperability for their defense equipment, with a dependable industrial base.

KNDS headquarters are based in Amsterdam.

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