France and Belgium Study 105mm Gun Variant of French Jaguar 6x6 Combat Vehicle.

France and Belgium are examining a joint program to develop a light armored combat vehicle armed with a 105mm gun, derived from the French Jaguar 6x6 platform. If pursued, the project could deepen the bilateral CaMo partnership and provide both armies with a higher-caliber direct fire option that enhances mobility, operational flexibility, and interoperability.

France and Belgium are exploring the possibility of jointly developing a new light armored combat vehicle equipped with a 105mm gun, according to a January 14, 2026, report by the French economic newspaper Les Echos. Jean-Luc Maurange, CEO of Belgian defense company John Cockerill, said discussions are underway at both industrial and governmental levels to study a heavier-armed variant based on the Jaguar 6x6 reconnaissance and combat vehicle already operated by the two countries under the CaMo framework.
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The French EBRC Jaguar 6x6 armored reconnaissance vehicle, armed with a 40mm CTA cannon and MMP missiles, forms the backbone of France and Belgium’s CaMo partnership. A potential 105mm-armed variant is now under consideration to boost direct fire capability. (Picture source: Army Recognition Group)

Jean-Luc Maurange, CEO of Belgian defense company John Cockerill, who recently returned to helm John Cockerill following its acquisition of French military vehicle manufacturer ARQUUS, described the project as an “evolutionary step” in European land capability. The envisioned vehicle would retain Jaguar’s mobility, integrated sensors, and battlefield networking capabilities, but replace the current 40mm CTA cannon mounted on the French Jaguar wheeled combat vehicle with a more potent 105mm direct-fire weapon. “It is a way to offer heavier fire support while preserving strategic mobility,” he told Les Echos, suggesting the concept addresses operational demands seen in recent conflicts, where light armored units have encountered more resilient targets in urban and semi-conventional theaters.

John Cockerill Defense, the Belgian firm’s armored systems division, already includes a mature 105mm turret system in its product portfolio. Known as the COCKERILL® 3105, this turret is designed to deliver high-pressure, direct-fire on mobile, air-transportable platforms. It features a fully digital fire control system, hunter-killer capability, day/night thermal optics, and the ability to fire NATO-standard 105mm kinetic and multi-purpose ammunition. Weighing under 3.5 tons and engineered for integration on wheeled and tracked platforms from 18 to 25 tons, the turret was specifically conceived to bridge the gap between reconnaissance vehicles and heavier direct-fire platforms.

The 3105 system can be operated by a two-man crew or remotely, offering flexibility and adaptability. Already integrated on various wheeled vehicles and in serial production, it is a strong candidate for a future Franco-Belgian 105mm Jaguar-based armored vehicle.

The initiative would represent a significant enhancement of the Franco-Belgian armored architecture. It has the potential to provide NATO forces with a flexible, expeditionary platform with sufficient firepower to confront medium-armored threats. Strategically, such a vehicle would complement the French Army’s upcoming VBAE (Véhicule Blindé d’Aide à l’Engagement) reconnaissance vehicle and could fill a niche between light cavalry and main battle tank formations, particularly in hybrid conflict zones or for rapid deployment forces.

This concept also reflects the trend in Europe toward indigenous solutions, enabling France and Belgium to reduce dependence on non-European platforms. Leveraging CaMo's shared industrial capacity, training, and logistics can accelerate timelines, reduce costs, and ensure sustained operational readiness.

Maurange’s remarks indicate growing political and military interest, though the idea is still developing. If formalized, the project could become a flagship NATO co-development, yielding strategic and industrial benefits. In the next few months, initial feasibility studies and consultations are planned between the French DGA and the Belgian Ministry of Defence.

For John Cockerill, the potential program would deepen its role in European armored vehicle development and consolidate its unique position between the French and Belgian defense industries. The acquisition of ARQUUS provides near-complete vertical integration, from vehicle chassis to advanced weapon stations.

The base wheeled armored vehicle at the center of this proposed evolution is the EBRC Jaguar, a next-generation 6x6 armored reconnaissance and combat vehicle jointly developed by Nexter, ARQUUS, and Thales for the French Army under the Scorpion program. Designed to replace legacy AMX-10RC and ERC-90 wheeled armored vehicles, the Jaguar features a fully digital architecture, high mobility, and advanced protection systems.

Its current armament configuration includes a 40mm CTA (Cased Telescoped Ammunition) cannon developed by CTA International. This weapon can fire advanced airburst munitions. The vehicle also integrates two ready-to-launch MBDA MMP (Missile Moyenne Portée) anti-tank missiles and a 7.62mm remote-controlled coaxial machine gun. The system includes a panoramic optronic sight, battlefield networking tools, and cutting-edge vetronics, enabling seamless command-and-control integration across joint units.

Belgium became the first export customer for the Jaguar through the landmark CaMo program, signing a €1.6 billion agreement with France in 2018. Under the terms of this strategic cooperation, Belgium will acquire 60 Jaguar EBRC vehicles along with 382 Griffon VBMR armored personnel carriers, ensuring full operational and doctrinal interoperability with French ground forces. Deliveries of the Belgian Jaguars began in 2025 and are scheduled to be completed by 2030.

When fielded, the Jaguar will give Belgium a modern combat and reconnaissance vehicle. A 105mm variant would increase mission flexibility and meet rising demand for mobile firepower.

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.