The future French Armoured Reconnaissance and Combat Vehicle is called the EBRC Jaguar.
The EBRC Jaguar is an armored reconnaissance vehicle, which is expected to replace the French Army’s AMX 10 RC and ERC 90 Sagaie reconnaissance and fire support vehicles as well as the VAB Mephisto. The French Army plans to buy 300 Jaguars.
France has a long history of light armored reconnaissance vehicles armed with high firepower, for reconnaissance operations, fire support and even engaging enemy tanks. These wheeled vehicles are lightly armored, but have high mobility, good cross-country ability and are amphibious.
Jaguar has a slightly different design than its predecessors. It is also a small, fast and well-armed vehicle intended for active combat role. However it is heavier, better protected and is armed with a smaller gun than its predecessors. The new Jaguar is better suited for unconventional warfare and low intensity conflicts.
The Jaguar’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 Akeron MP 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 fourteen smoke grenades. The combat vehicle can lift its cannon 45° up, allowing it to fire on aerial targets.
Basically, the 40 mm cannon can easily defeat most armored personnel carriers, infantry fighting vehicles and other targets. Jaguar is capable of providing fire support and rapid intervention. It can also be used for convoy escort, patrol and territorial defense missions.
The weapon system is built on a 6×6 commercial all-terrain truck chassis and use standard commercial truck engines. The engines have been adapted to use a wider range of fuel. The Jaguar has an overpressure system to maintain constant overpressure in the armored troop compartment to protect it against chemical, biological and radiological threats. For service in hot climates the Jaguar is equipped with air conditioning.
The vehicle is built with STANAG 4569 Level 4 armor protection, giving it defense against 14.5 mm armor-piercing rounds, 155mm artillery shell splinters, and 10 kg mine blasts. This armored vehicle is fitted with some defensive systems, such as laser warning system and missile detection system. It is also fitted with a battlefield management system, which allows the troops and combat vehicles to share information on the battlefield.
The Jaguar is operated by a crew of 3, including commander, gunner and driver. It is powered by a Renault DXi7 turbocharged diesel engine, developing 400 hp, couped to an automatic transmission. Jaguar can reach a top speed of 90 km/h, and has a range of 800km.
The Jaguar armored reconnaissance vehicle was developed alongside Griffon armored troop carrier with 6×6 configuration. Both armored vehicles share 70% of their components. since 2019, 452 Griffons and 38 Jaguars were delivered to the French DGA.
