On February 8, 2025, the French Minister of Defense, Sébastien Lecornu, announced a major defense procurement with the order of 530 additional Serval 4×4 wheeled armored vehicles for the French Army. This significant investment, valued at over one billion euros, is part of the SCORPION program, a long-term initiative aimed at modernizing France’s ground forces with advanced, connected, and highly mobile combat vehicles. The first deliveries are expected to begin at the end of 2025 and will continue until 2031.
This new order will significantly boost the French defense industry, mobilizing production across key sites in Roanne, Bourges, Limoges, Satory, Plessis-Robinson, and Toulon, as well as an extensive network of subcontractors. The Serval, developed and produced by KNDS- France previously Nexter and Texelis, is a light multi-role armored vehicle (Véhicule Blindé Multi-Rôles – VBMR-L) that plays a crucial role in the SCORPION program, enhancing battlefield mobility, protection, and interoperability through advanced digital systems and networked combat capabilities.
The Serval is a highly mobile and modular armored vehicle designed to operate in reconnaissance, command and control, troop transport, and fire support roles. It is engineered to withstand modern battlefield threats, featuring advanced armor protection against small arms fire, artillery shrapnel, and improvised explosive devices (IEDs). Its V-shaped hull improves blast resistance, while additional modular armor kits provide scalable protection. The vehicle’s 4×4 wheeled configuration ensures high maneuverability across various terrains, making it suitable for operations in urban, desert, and rugged environments. Furthermore, the Serval is air-transportable by A400M Atlas military aircraft, allowing for rapid deployment in crisis zones.
Several specialized variants of the Serval are being developed to meet specific operational needs. One version will be equipped with a turret-mounted Mistral 3 missile system, providing ground-to-air defense (DSA) against aerial threats. Another, designed for counter-drone warfare (LAD), will feature radar, a radio frequency detection system, a fire control system, and a 30-113 mm automatic cannon, effectively countering unmanned aerial threats. Additionally, a tactical communication node (NCT) variant will integrate SYRACUSE IV satellite communications and advanced radio networking, ensuring secure and efficient battlefield connectivity.