Defense News is reporting that the French company Nexter and German company Krauss Maffei-Wegmann have signed a memorandum of understanding for an equally owned alliance.  Assuming that the political issues involved in such an alliance may be overcome, the purpose of the alliance, named Nexter and KMW Together (KANT) is to produce a new generation of combat vehicles, including a new tank.  According to the article, KMW Chairman Frank Haun on Jan. 14 told the French National Assembly defense committee the alliance would work over the next five years developing a tank — whether it be called Leopard 3, Leleo or Leoclerc — and the new heavy armored vehicle could be delivered 2025-2030 to replace the Leclerc and Leopard 2.  Other products developed by KANT could include fully automated artillery, smart munitions and laser weapons.  The article neglects to mention the relatively poor track record of joint tank design and production programs involving Germany and France in the past.  Full article here.