Meet the Jaguar, the new French armoured reconnaissance and combat vehicle

The French Army is undergoing a major modernization of its land equipment, as part of the Scorpion program. One of the key elements of this program is the Jaguar, a new armoured reconnaissance and combat vehicle (EBRC) that will replace the ageing AMX 10RC and ERC 90 Sagaie vehicles. The Jaguar is a 6x6 wheeled vehicle, designed and built by a consortium of French companies: Nexter, Arquus and Thales. It is expected to enter service in 2022, with a total of 300 units planned to be delivered by 2030. In this article, we will take a closer look at the features and capabilities of the Jaguar, and how it will enhance the French Army’s operational performance.

A versatile and powerful weapon system

The Jaguar is equipped with a 40 mm rapid-fire cannon, capable of firing explosive, armour-piercing or programmable shells. The cannon has a range of 4 km and can engage both soft and hard targets, such as infantry, light vehicles, bunkers or tanks. The Jaguar also has four MMP anti-tank missiles, which can be launched from a retractable pod. The MMP is a fire-and-forget missile, with a range of up to 5 km and a dual-mode seeker (infrared and visible). It can defeat any type of armour, including reactive and composite armour. The Jaguar’s weapon system is complemented by a 7.62 mm machine gun, mounted on a remote-controlled turret.

The Jaguar’s weapon system is controlled by a state-of-the-art fire control system, which includes a panoramic sight, a laser rangefinder, a thermal imager and a stabilizer. The Jaguar can fire on the move, with a high accuracy and a fast reaction time. The Jaguar can also share target information and coordinate fire with other vehicles, thanks to the Scorpion combat information system (SICS).

A platform with innovative technologies

The Jaguar benefits from a range of innovative technologies, which enhance its situational awareness, survivability and mobility. Some of the key technologies are:

• A new generation of information and communication system (SICS), which allows the Jaguar to communicate and exchange data with other Scorpion vehicles, such as the Griffon, the Serval or the Leclerc. The SICS is based on a software-defined radio (contact), which can adapt to different frequencies and waveforms. The SICS also provides a common operational picture, a navigation system and a mission planning tool.
• An acoustic sensor, which can detect and locate the origin of enemy fire, such as small arms, mortars or artillery. The acoustic sensor can also identify the type and caliber of the weapon, and alert the crew or the command post.
• A video surveillance system, which consists of eight cameras, covering 360 degrees around the vehicle. The video surveillance system provides a day and night vision, and can detect and track moving objects. The video surveillance system can also be used for driving assistance, obstacle avoidance and self-protection.
• A laser warning system, which can detect and identify the source of a laser beam, such as a rangefinder, a designator or a dazzler. The laser warning system can also trigger countermeasures, such as smoke grenades or a radio jammer.
• A radio jammer, which can interfere with the enemy’s communication and command systems, as well as disrupt the guidance of some missiles or drones. The radio jammer can operate in a reactive or proactive mode, and can cover a wide range of frequencies and waveforms.
• A self-protection system, which includes a ballistic protection, an anti-mine and improvised explosive device (IED) protection, and a nuclear, biological and chemical (NBC) protection. The ballistic protection can be enhanced by adding modular armour plates, depending on the threat level. The anti-mine and IED protection is based on a V-shaped hull, which deflects the blast wave and reduces the impact on the crew. The NBC protection is ensured by an overpressure system, which maintains a positive pressure inside the vehicle and filters the air.

The Jaguar is also predisposed to embedded simulation, which means that it can be used for training purposes, without requiring additional equipment or infrastructure. The embedded simulation allows the Jaguar to simulate different scenarios, such as combat, reconnaissance or support missions, and to interact with other simulated entities, such as friendly or enemy forces, civilians or terrain features.

A vehicle with high mobility and performance

The Jaguar has an empty weight of 20 tonnes, which can increase up to 25 tonnes with the armour and the ammunition. It is powered by a Volvo diesel engine, which delivers 490 hp. The engine allows the Jaguar to reach a maximum speed of 90 km/h on road and 70 km/h off-road. It also gives the Jaguar an autonomy of 800 km and a fuel consumption of 40 liters per 100 km. The Jaguar can overcome obstacles of 1.2 m deep or 50% slope.

The Jaguar has a length of 7.8 m with the cannon, a width of 2.99 m and a height of 2.8 m. It has a variable ground clearance, which can go up to 47 cm. It is fitted with a hydro-pneumatic suspension, which ensures a smooth ride and a stable firing platform. It has a turning radius of 9 m.

The Jaguar has a crew of three: a vehicle commander, a gunner and a driver. It has an ergonomic driving station, with a steering wheel, a gear lever and a touch screen. It has a panoramic vision, thanks to the cameras and the sensors. It has an air conditioning and NBC filtration system.

The Jaguar is designed for reconnaissance and combat missions, in support of special forces or army units. It can operate in network with other vehicles, and benefit from the synergies of the Scorpion program. It can be transported by air, by train or by boat.

A vehicle that meets the operational needs of the French Army

The Jaguar is a vehicle that meets the operational needs of the French Army, in terms of versatility, firepower, protection and mobility. It is a vehicle that can adapt to different environments and scenarios, such as urban or mountain warfare. It is a vehicle that can perform a wide range of tasks, such as reconnaissance, fire support, escort or intervention. It is a vehicle that can integrate into a joint and combined arms framework, and contribute to the operational superiority of the French forces.

The Jaguar is a vehicle that reflects the French industrial and technological excellence, and the cooperation between the three main actors of the consortium: Nexter, Arquus and Thales. It is a vehicle that benefits from the feedback and the expertise of the French Army, and the involvement of the users in the design and testing phases. It is a vehicle that represents the future of the French armoured forces, and the ambition of the Scorpion program.