The French Army’s pursuit of cutting-edge defense technology takes another leap forward as the Serval 4×4 lightweight multi-role armored vehicle prepares for its next phase of production. With Texelis and Nexter Systems at the helm, this vehicle promises an evolution in versatility and strategic capabilities. Texelis, responsible for the rolling chassis, anticipates imminent orders within the next half-year, extending production to at least 2033. This projection encompasses a substantial order of 2,000 vehicles, ensuring the production line’s operation until 2035. The impending orders, including 420 vehicles expected by mid-December and an additional 530 by mid-2024, mark a significant expansion following the initial 2018 order of 324 systems.
A key highlight remains the potential for export, emphasizing the global relevance and appeal of the Serval. The vehicle’s adaptability and range of versions, from patrol and reconnaissance to communication and medevac, underscore its strategic importance in diverse military operations. Part of the SCORPION program, the VBMR Leger aligns with the lineage of formidable predecessors like the VBMR Griffon and EBRC Jaguar. Nexter’s VBMR Leger, a derivative of the TITUS 6×6 armored vehicle, promises a lightweight 4×4 configuration, aligning with the evolving needs of modern warfare.
The vehicle’s deployment schedule is on track, with the patrol variant set for deliveries from 2022 onwards. The French state armament program aims to supply 489 VBMR Leger vehicles by 2025 and 978 by 2030, replacing the VBL light armored vehicles and specialized VAB variants within the French army. Costing between 500,000 to 700,000 euros per unit in serial purchases, the Serval offers enhanced maneuverability and robustness, specifically catering to infantry units in light brigades such as the 11th Airborne Brigade and the 27th Mountain Infantry Brigade. Moreover, plans extend beyond the military domain, with 1060 additional Serval VLTP P segment haut vehicles slated for purchase by 2033, generating interest from the French gendarmerie.
The Serval’s design, with a combat weight of approximately 17 tons and fortified mine protection, accommodates 10 individuals, including crew members equipped with the FELIN system. Integration with the SCORPION combat network information system and compatibility with remote-controlled weapon stations position the Serval as a sophisticated asset in the contemporary battlefield. Manufactured at the Nexter tank-building site in Roane, with French Texelis spearheading suspension and transmission design and production, the Serval embodies the collaborative prowess of leading defense contractors in France. The Serval stands poised to redefine operational excellence, reinforcing the nation’s defense capabilities with its state-of-the-art features and adaptability.
