France Secures Serval 4×4 Armored Vehicles
France has officially secured a contract for the procurement of 530 Serval 4×4 Lightweight Multirole Armored Vehicles as part of its SCORPION program. This initiative, which stands for Synergy of Contact Reinforced by Versatility and Infovalorisation, aims to modernize the French army’s ground fleet. The announcement was made by French Armed Forces Minister Sébastien Lecornu, who confirmed that the delivery of these vehicles is scheduled to take place between 2025 and 2031.
In addition to the initial order, the contract includes provisions for 97 extra vehicles, which will be acquired based on the army’s evolving requirements. Should all options be exercised, this substantial transaction could exceed 1 billion euros, equivalent to approximately $1.03 billion. A consortium of industry partners from various French cities, including Roanne, Bourges, Limoges, Satory, Plessis-Robinson, and Toulon, will be tasked with the execution of this project.
Modernizing the French Military Fleet
The SCORPION program represents a critical effort by the French government to enhance the operational capabilities of its military. This modernization initiative is designed to bolster the effectiveness of combined arms tactical groups within the army and to improve the operational prowess of the country’s Leclerc main battle tanks. By integrating advanced technology and new armored vehicles like the Serval, France aims to maintain its strategic advantage on the battlefield.
The Serval vehicle was first unveiled in 2018, intended to replace the aging Armored Forward Vehicle (VAB) systems that have been in service since the early 1980s. Weighing in at 17 tonnes and measuring 7 meters in length, the Serval can transport up to eight passengers while providing robust protection through NATO Level 4 standard armor. This level of protection is crucial for safeguarding its crew from various threats, including kinetic strikes and explosives.
Advanced Armament Capabilities
One of the standout features of the Serval platform is its versatile armament options. The vehicle can be equipped with either the Hornet remote weapon station, capable of mounting a 12.7-millimeter machine gun or Akeron missiles, or the ARX remote weapon station featuring a heavy mortar. Additionally, the Serval is outfitted with a GALIX self-protection system that deploys smoke grenades to create a defensive screen.
For enhanced firepower, the vehicle also includes the Hornet Lite weapon station, which is armed with a 7.62-millimeter machine gun. The Serval’s mobility is powered by a Cummins diesel engine generating 375 horsepower, coupled with an Allison 3000 automatic transmission. This configuration enables the vehicle to achieve a top speed of 100 kilometers per hour and a range of 600 kilometers, making it a formidable asset on the modern battlefield.
