EBRC Jaguar – new versatile, fast, and robust vehicle of the French Army
The Jaguar is an armored reconnaissance and combat vehicle. It has been gradually replacing the AMX-10 RC and Sagaie vehicles since 2022. The highly versatile vehicle is a militarized 6x6 wheeled vehicle. It can be used in combat in urban or mountainous areas. The Jaguar benefits from innovative technologies. It is equipped with the latest self-protection systems (laser warning detectors, missile launch detectors, gunfire detectors, and Barrage radio jammers). Designed for on-board simulation, it is equipped with a new-generation information system (SICS) and a software-defined radio.
The French army recently added a new card to its deck with the Jaguar, an armored reconnaissance and combat vehicle (EBRC) designed to modernize its ground forces. It is intended to replace the older AMX-10 RC and ERC-90 Sagaie. The initial development project for the Jaguar was launched in 2009 by the French Directorate General of Armament (DGA). Designed on a 6×6 chassis, it is built to operate in both urban and mountainous terrain. Unveiled in 2014, the Jaguar is the result of a successful collaboration between Nexter (now KNDS France), Arquus Defense, and Thales Optronics. These companies have incorporated a wide range of advanced technologies into this vehicle. These include infrared cameras for better night vision, modular armor for enhanced protection, and a smart jamming system. It also features laser warning detectors to detect missile launches and gunfire, further enhancing safety in the field. In addition, the vehicle is equipped with a Barrage radio jammer and an on-board simulator for training purposes.
Faced with an ever-growing threat and the diversity of conflicts, the French army needed a versatile, fast, and robust vehicle capable of operating in both urban and rural terrain. The Jaguar was therefore designed as a new-generation operational tool, combining modernity, performance, and ergonomics to meet the needs of the armed forces. The Jaguar's main role is to provide reconnaissance for ground forces. Thanks to its detection capabilities and state-of-the-art electronic equipment, this vehicle can collect a large amount of tactical information in the field. This information is then used to assess the situation, prepare military operations and coordinate the actions of the various units.
But the Jaguar is not just a reconnaissance vehicle: it is also a formidable combat vehicle. Equipped with a turret armed with a 40 mm cannon and a coaxial 7.62 mm machine gun, the Jaguar can play an active role in combat, both in support of ground troops and in direct combat. One of the Jaguar's key strengths is its exceptional mobility. Weighing around 25 tons, it is 7.8 meters long, 2.99 meters wide, and its all-terrain turret is 2.8 meters high. It can reach a top speed of 90 km/h on the road and has a range of approximately 800 kilometers. This remarkable performance allows it to quickly take up position in theaters of operation, ensuring optimal responsiveness for the armed forces. The vehicle stands out for its all-terrain logistical and operational capabilities: it can cross bodies of water up to 1.2 meters deep and climb slopes of 50%. These characteristics make it indispensable for missions in complex areas. This does not come at the expense of crew and vehicle protection. The Jaguar is equipped with modular armor, offering high resistance to direct and indirect impacts. This enables the vehicle to withstand mines, grenades, and other explosive threats, as well as small-caliber fire and armor-piercing ammunition.
In terms of armament, the Jaguar has a 40mm cannon, MMP medium-range anti-tank missiles, and a remote-controlled 7.62mm MAG machine gun. The vehicle can fire various types of ammunition, including APFSDS (arrow), high-explosive, programmable airburst, and training ammunition, making it highly versatile for a range of missions. The Jaguar's main armament consists of a CT40 turret with a high-pressure 40 mm cannon capable of firing both explosive shells and anti-tank ammunition. The weapon has an effective range of up to 2,500 meters, making it a formidable tool in medium-range engagements. In terms of electronic equipment, the Jaguar is equipped with a secure digital communication system and a combat information system (CIS). It also has a long-range day/night vision device with added artificial intelligence to further improve detection quality.
The Jaguar has proven successful in the French Army, and several variants have been developed to meet different specific needs: Jaguar VBMR-GR (Multi-Role Armored Vehicle - Reconnaissance Group): designed for in-depth reconnaissance missions with enhanced infiltration and exfiltration capabilities; Jaguar VBMR (Multi-Role Armored Vehicle): dedicated to combat support missions, with rapid embarkation and disembarkation capabilities; Jaguar VBR (Armored Reconnaissance Vehicle): specially designed for advanced ground reconnaissance and special forces support.
The Jaguar is now integrated into numerous French and foreign military units, contributing directly to their ability to operate on modern battlefields. The Jaguar is part of the land forces modernization project launched in 2014, which aims to modernize the French land forces with a budget of around €5 billion. Alongside the Jaguar are other vehicles such as the Griffon, the Serval light vehicle, and the Leclerc XLR tank. By 2030, the Army plans to integrate 238 Jaguars into its fleet. That said, despite all these innovations, the Jaguar still has a few minor issues. For example, the turret does not always stabilize, and the air conditioning works intermittently. The electronics can also malfunction, with the computer becoming overloaded during intense operations. Furthermore, there is currently no integrated anti-drone device.
Faced with rising tensions, particularly with Russia, France has decided to strengthen its capabilities with flagship programs such as SCORPION. During the project's tenth anniversary celebrations at the Hôtel des Invalides in November 2024, it was recalled that the initial objective was to make SCORPION “the backbone of ground combat for the coming decades,” according to Jean-Yves Le Drian. Ultimately, the Jaguar is an exceptional armored reconnaissance and combat vehicle, designed to meet the current and future challenges of modern armies. Thanks to its performance, ergonomics, and versatility, it is undoubtedly a major asset for armed forces in their perpetual quest for tactical superiority.
