Luxembourg to Acquire 38 Jaguar and 16 Griffon Combat Vehicles for Joint Recon Battalion with Belgium.

Luxembourg and Belgium have finalized a joint defense procurement agreement to acquire 54 French-built armored vehicles for a new binational reconnaissance unit. The deal strengthens NATO force integration and represents a major step forward in developing shared European military capabilities.

Luxembourg has concluded one of the largest defense procurement efforts in its history, finalizing an agreement with Belgium to acquire 54 modern French-built armored vehicles, according to a press release from the Luxembourg Government dated December 17, 2025. The vehicles will equip a newly established binational medium reconnaissance combat battalion, a unit developed under NATO’s Defense Planning Process and designed to deepen operational integration between the two neighboring allies.
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Luxembourg to acquire with Belgium 38 Jaguar (left) and 16 Griffon (right) armored vehicles for joint NATO reconnaissance battalion operational by 2030. 

The procurement includes 38 Jaguar EBRC (Engin Blindé de Reconnaissance et de Combat) vehicles and 16 Griffon VBMR (Véhicule Blindé Multi-Rôles) vehicles. Both platforms, developed under France’s Scorpion modernization program by the Nexter-Thales-Arquus consortium, are designed to meet the demands of modern hybrid warfare, emphasizing mobility, protection, and digital integration.

The Jaguar, a 25-ton 6x6 wheeled armored reconnaissance and combat vehicle, is operated by a three-person crew and features a formidable weapons suite. This includes the CTA40 40mm cannon, twin launchers for the MMP (Missile Moyenne Portée) anti-tank guided missiles, and a remote-controlled 7.62mm machine gun. With integrated sensors, active protection, and battlefield networking capabilities, the Jaguar is optimized for high-intensity reconnaissance missions and mobile fire support.

The 16 Griffon VBMRs will be delivered in multiple variants for command, logistics, and combat support roles. Weighing 24.5 tons and built on a similar 6x6 chassis, each Griffon accommodates a three-person crew and features modular remote weapon stations capable of mounting either a 7.62mm or 12.7mm machine gun. These vehicles are designed for survivability in asymmetric conflict zones while maintaining full interoperability with NATO and EU ground forces.

This acquisition is part of Luxembourg and Belgium’s broader commitment to stand up a medium-weight, combat-ready reconnaissance battalion by 2030. The unit, formally titled the "Binational Battalion of Luxembourg Reconnaissance Guides-Chasseurs," is a direct response to NATO capability targets established under the Defence Planning Process (NDPP). The NDPP serves as the Alliance’s central mechanism for aligning national capabilities with collective defense priorities, particularly amid growing geopolitical instability.

Colonel Pascal Ballinger, Deputy Chief of Staff of the Luxembourg Army, confirmed that the procurement is not only about acquiring new platforms but also about deepening Luxembourg's integration into multinational force structures. “This battalion will be a clear expression of Luxembourg’s operational commitment to NATO’s deterrence posture and a model for future European defense cooperation,” Ballinger said.

The binational battalion will serve as a mobile, networked force capable of forward deployment and high-tempo reconnaissance operations across the European theater. With both nations contributing personnel, infrastructure, and integrated command structures, the initiative is also expected to serve as a template for future defense cooperation among smaller NATO allies seeking to pool resources while expanding operational relevance.

In a regional environment marked by rising tensions and the renewed importance of land warfare capabilities, Luxembourg’s decision to invest in high-end armored systems and joint operations underscores a broader shift in European defense priorities. The Jaguar and Griffon vehicles not only enhance Luxembourg’s military credibility but also provide concrete capabilities that will strengthen NATO’s readiness posture over the next decade.

Written by Alain Servaes – Chief Editor, Army Recognition Group
Alain Servaes is a former infantry non-commissioned officer and the founder of Army Recognition. With over 20 years in defense journalism, he provides expert analysis on military equipment, NATO operations, and the global defense industry.