Nexter unveils that the French Army Technical Section of the Ground Force (Section Technique de l’Armée de Terre, STAT) has started its evaluation of the EBRC Jaguar reconnaissance vehicle that will replace the French Army’s VCAC (HOT missiles equipped VABs), AMX 10 RC and ERC 90 Sagaie reconnaissance and fire support vehicles. The EBRC Jaguar fitted with new wire cage armor to increase protection against anti-tank guided missiles and rocket-propelled grenades.
The ERC (Engin Blindé de Reconnaissance et de Combat) Jaguar is built with STANAG 4569 Level 4 armor protection, giving it defense against 14.5×114mm armor-piercing rounds, 155mm artillery shell splinters, and 10 kg (22 lb) mine blasts.[ Electronic defenses include the Thales Group Barage active jamming device to counter IEDs, two sets of Antares missile warning alert systems, a TDA Armements active blocking system, and a roof-mounted Metravib Pilar V gunfire locator.
The reconnaissance vehicle’s primary weapon, mounted in a two-man turret, is the CTA International CT40 cannon firing 40mm case telescoped ammunition with a rate of fire of 200 rounds per minute and a maximum effective range of 1,500 meters. Two MMP anti-tank guided missiles are fitted to the turret launcher with two reloads stored inside. It also carries a 7.62mm remote controlled machine gun mounted on top of the turret and eight smoke grenades.
A consortium of Nexter, Thales, and Renault Trucks Defense was formed to develop and produce the new vehicle. The same consortium also builds the VBMR Griffon multi-role armored vehicle for the French Army, which shares 70% of its components with the EBRC Jaguar. A second tranche for 271 Griffons and 42 Jaguars was ordered on 24 September 2020. In total the French Army plans to buy 1,872 Griffons and 300 Jaguars.
