Jaguar EBRC French Army New Generation Reconnaissance Armored Vehicle in Action at Bastille Day.

On the rehearsals for the Bastille Day military parade in Paris, the French Army presented one of the vehicles that illustrates the modernization of its land forces. The Jaguar EBRC, a reconnaissance and combat armored vehicle, drew particular attention. Developed by Nexter, Arquus, and Thales under the Scorpion program, this 6x6 vehicle replaces the AMX-10 RC and ERC-90 Sagaie, which have been in service for decades. Lieutenant Brice, platoon leader at the 1st Spahis Regiment, was present during the rehearsals and shared his experience with Army Recognition.
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The Jaguar is designed to meet the requirements of contemporary combat. Weighing 25 tons, powered by a 500-horsepower diesel engine, and built on a 6x6 chassis with rear steering, it provides high mobility in urban areas as well as on rough terrain. It can reach a top speed of 90 km/h with a range of 800 kilometers. Its armor meets NATO STANAG 4569 Level 4 standards, offering protection against 14.5 mm projectiles, 155 mm artillery shell fragments at 30 meters, and mines of up to 10 kg of TNT placed under the wheels. During the rehearsals, observers were able to note its maneuverability and relatively quiet operation compared to traditional armored vehicles.

The Jaguar’s armament confirms its multipurpose combat role. Its turret mounts the 40 mm CTA International cannon, which can switch between different ammunition types, including programmable airburst rounds. This allows it to engage light armored vehicles as well as fortified positions. Two MMP missiles, designed by MBDA and stored in the turret, provide an anti-armor capability with a range of 4 kilometers. A remotely operated 7.62 mm machine gun complements the system for close-range defense. The combination of a modern cannon, guided missiles, and a light machine gun provides the French Army with a vehicle capable of carrying out both reconnaissance and fire support missions.

The Jaguar is integrated into the Scorpion combat information systems, which enable crews to share real-time data with other units. This digitization of the battlefield is seen as a decisive factor for reconnaissance and support missions.

The Scorpion program, launched in 2014, aims to renew the French Army’s armored and cavalry capabilities. The Jaguar replaces the AMX-10 RC and ERC-90 Sagaie, as well as certain VAB vehicles equipped with HOT missiles. Deliveries began in 2021 and will continue until 2035, for a total of 300 units. By the end of 2023, around 60 Jaguars had already been delivered to several regiments, to have 200 in service by 2030. The 1st Spahis Regiment, which maintains a long cavalry tradition, is among the first to train with the vehicle and to present it to the public during the national parade.

Beyond its role in the parade on the Champs-Élysées, the Jaguar is intended for operational deployment. Its mobility and protection make it suitable for both high-intensity engagements and overseas interventions. It is expected to strengthen France’s credibility within NATO and European commitments, while also supporting operational superiority in unstable regions such as the Sahel.

The Jaguar EBRC has become a key element in the modernization of the French Army. Combining firepower, enhanced protection, and digital integration, it reflects the principles of the Scorpion program. Presented to the public during the national parade, it already represents the operational reality that will accompany French forces on future theaters of operation.