KNDS France announces the delivery to the French Army, during summer 2026, of the first EBRC (Engin Blindé de Reconnaissance et de Combat) Jaguar armored vehicles at R3 standard. This milestone, confirmed on 18 September 2026 by the French Ministry of the Armed Forces, marks a further step forward for the SCORPION programme to modernise France’s land forces.
As of 18 September 2026, close to 25 EBRC Jaguar vehicles at R3 standard had been delivered to or retrofitted for the French Army. Deliveries and retrofits to this standard will continue through 2026.
This standard was certified “fit for service” by the French defence procurement agency (DGA) on 8 April 2026, before the French Army authorised its operational use on 20 July 2026.
The vehicle is designed and produced by the temporary consortium (Groupement Momentané d’Entreprises – GME) formed by KNDS France, Arquus and Thales. It has also been selected by Belgium and Luxembourg as part of the CaMo (Capacité Motorisée) programme, confirming the interest in this new-generation reconnaissance and combat capability. Several export campaigns are also under way, opening up new international development prospects for this benchmark solution.
A capability milestone for the French Army
The Jaguar R3 brings together the full set of technical and operational capabilities planned for this 25-tonne, 6×6 wheeled vehicle, which is set to succeed the AMX-10RC in reconnaissance and direct-combat missions.
The Jaguar’s digitised T40 turret, designed and developed by KNDS, combines a high-rate-of-fire 40 mm cannon with Akeron MP anti-tank missiles, giving it the ability to neutralise targets at both short and long range, up to 4,000 metres.
The capability leap enabled by its new-generation sensors and effectors, together with the ability to redesignate missiles in flight, represents a technological breakthrough that meets the current needs of the armed forces. The human-machine interface (HMI) has also evolved towards a more integrated, digital interface, making it possible to consolidate and present information from the sensors, fire control and the vehicle’s various systems in a more intuitive way, helping the crew make decisions faster.
An industry mobilised alongside the armed forces
As industrial architect and systems integrator for the SCORPION programme, KNDS leads the design, production and in-service support of the Jaguar and Griffon vehicles for the French Army’s SCORPION programme, together with its partners Arquus and Thales, joined in a temporary consortium, and with the support of numerous suppliers and subcontractors.
The Jaguar combines the weapons system developed by KNDS, the common vetronics developed by Thales, and the mobility designed by Arquus, three complementary areas of expertise serving its operational capacilities. Arquus brings its expertise in military mobility to the Jaguar, with a mobility system designed to meet the tactical mobility requirements of this 25-tonnes 6×6 véhicle.
These first R3-standard deliveries go hand in hand with the ramp-up of the Jaguar fleet already in service: all vehicles delivered at R2 standard are to be upgraded to R3 standard by the end of 2027, in line with the objectives of the SCORPION programme.
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