France Deploys Jaguar Armored Reconnaissance Vehicle for First Time in Operations in Estonia.

On May 4, 2024, the French armored vehicle Jaguar was operationally deployed for the first time in Estonia. This information was relayed on the X CTE_OFF account. The vehicles traveled across 5 countries, covering 3,000 km to strengthen NATO's eastern flank through a strategic deployment via rail.
Follow Army Recognition on Google News at this link

France deploys in operation the Jaguar armored reconnaissance and combat vehicle for the first time. (Picture source: French MoD)

Following the escalation of the conflict in Ukraine, France decided to enhance its contingent in Estonia as part of NATO's Lynx mission, incorporating the multi-role armored vehicle Griffon from the SCORPION program. These vehicles, previously used in the Sahel during Operation Barkhane, have now been supplemented by the Jaguar armored reconnaissance and combat vehicles from the 1st Foreign Cavalry Regiment (REC), which were transported by rail.

Colonel Bertrand Dias, commander of the 1st REC ( Régiment étranger de cavalerie), shared on X that the Jaguars traveled 3000 km through five countries to reach the eastern flank of NATO, demonstrating excellent logistical coordination with allied forces.

Unlike the Griffons, the Jaguars were not deployed in the Sahel climate as they were delivered to the REC when France was completing its withdrawal from Mali. Their participation in the Spring Storm exercise in Estonia represents their first operational engagement in an external theater.

However, the deployment of the Jaguars raises questions about their readiness, as they are still in the familiarization phase with the armored cavalry branch and have not been officially declared operational, as acknowledged by General Pierre Schill, Chief of Staff of the Army, in May 2023. He indicated that adjustments were needed before the Jaguar could be fully operational.

The Jaguar is an armored reconnaissance and combat vehicle developed by France, in collaboration with the companies Nexter, Renault Trucks Defense (RTD), and Thales. This armored vehicle is equipped with a 40 mm cannon, a 7.62 mm machine gun, and medium-range anti-tank guided missiles. Designed to offer robust protection, the Jaguar withstands small arms fire and shell splinters, in line with NATO STANAG 4569 Level 4.

Weighing 25 tons, the Jaguar measures 7.3 meters in length, 3 meters in width, and 2.6 meters in height, allowing a three-person crew to operate it effectively. This vehicle is particularly suited for reconnaissance operations due to its day/night vision capabilities, protection against nuclear, biological, and chemical threats, which include internal overpressure and an air conditioning system.

Moreover, the Jaguar is equipped with advanced technologies such as a laser warning system, a threat missile detection system, as well as radio and infrared jamming systems, making it particularly effective for missions in hostile and varied environments. With a maximum speed of 90 km/h and a range of 800 km, it can respond quickly over long distances, thus offering considerable operational flexibility. Currently, the Jaguar is in service in France and has attracted interest from Belgium for its adoption.

The Ministry of Armed Forces has praised the versatility, robust armament, protection, and mobility of the Jaguar, which is designed to operate in urban and mountainous environments thanks to its six-wheel drive and steerable rear axle, as well as its advanced equipment and sensor technologies. The impact that the Jaguars will have on the ground and the feedback received on these new armored reconnaissance vehicles remain to be seen.