Versailles – 23rd September 2026 – 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.
About KNDS
KNDS is a leading pan-European land defense company, uniting nearly 11,000 employees and generating €4.4 billion in revenue in
2025. With a strong order backlog of €33.1 billion as of December 31, 2025, the group delivers innovative complete mission solutions
built on state-of-the art technologies. Leveraging deep industrial expertise and strong partnerships, KNDS develops open,
interoperable solutions combining manned and unmanned systems, designed to meet tomorrow’s operational challenges. As a prime
contractor, it provides full system-of-systems capabilities, from platforms to ammunition and services, managing the entire value
chain and encompassing complete product life cycles. Born from the alliance of Nexter and Krauss-Maffei Wegmann, KNDS
embodies the path toward a collective and efficient future for the sovereignty of Europe’s defense by supporting the standardization
and interoperability between European and NATO forces.
Trusted by 40+ armies worldwide, including 24 European armed forces, KNDS benefits from decades of combat-proven experience.
KNDS embodies a united, efficient model to enhance stability and long-term security in Europe and beyond.
Press Contacts
Guillem Monsonis
Head of Communications KNDS France
E-Mail: guillem.monsonis@knds.fr
T: +33 (0) 7 63 06 63 57
Fanny Mounier
Media relations manager KNDS France
E-Mail: fanny.mounier@knds.fr
T: + 33 (0) 7 64 26 37
Antoine Mollard
Press Officer
E-Mail: antoine.mollard@knds.fr
T : +33 (0) 6 62 79 04 25