Breaking News
France to Modernize Air Defense Mobility with New 4x4 Vampire Mistral 3 Air Defense Vehicle.
On December 3, 2024, the Integrated Structure for the Maintenance of Land Equipment (SIMMT) announced that mountain troops would soon receive the new Scania Vampire vehicles, equipped with the PAMELA platform (Lightweight, Air-Transportable Mistral-Equipped Adaptation Platform) for deploying MISTRAL 3 missiles. Unlike the heavier VBMR-L Serval "Mistral", scheduled to enter service in 2027 under the Military Programming Law (LPM) 2024-2030, the Scania Vampire is designed to meet the specific needs of mountain troops and special forces, offering greater mobility and superior adaptability on difficult terrain.
Scania 4X4 Vampire Mistral 3 Air Defense Vehicle (Picture source: French MoD)
The enhancement of mobile air defense capabilities for the French infantry is based on the introduction of VBMR-L Serval vehicles equipped with the Mistral 3 system, which are expected to be delivered from 2027. These vehicles, combining mobility, protection, and firepower, are designed to support conventional units in a wide variety of operational contexts. However, to address the specific needs of mountain troops and special forces, these units should be equipped with Scania Vampire vehicles, also fitted with the Mistral 3 system, instead of Servals, which are too heavy to operate effectively on rugged terrain and too slow to deploy. Lightweight, air-transportable, and better suited for steep environments, the Scania Vampire provides a solution that aligns more closely with the mobility and rapid deployment requirements of these forces, where maneuverability takes precedence over heavy protection.
The Scania Vampire vehicles are intended to replace the TRM 2000 trucks and VLRA vehicles equipped with the PAMELA system, modernizing the capabilities of the 54th Artillery Regiment, the primary unit responsible for ground-based air defense support. The first MISTRAL 3 missile launch from a Vampire was successfully conducted in November 2024, showcasing the effectiveness of this new platform. This program, developed in collaboration with the Directorate General of Armaments (DGA) and the Army’s Technical Section (STAT), aims to quickly meet the operational needs of the armed forces while minimizing acquisition delays.
The process began in December 2023 with a contract awarded through UGAP, marking the start of an ambitious timeline. In just eleven months, the project progressed from design and prototyping to successful validation, culminating in the first successful missile launch in November 2024. This rapid development was made possible through close collaboration between the DGA, STAT, and Scania, leveraging iterative prototyping and modeling to refine technical solutions.
The Scania Vampire, produced by the Swedish manufacturer Scania, is the result of close collaboration with French partners to meet the specific needs of the French Army, particularly in ground-based air defense. Scania provided the robust and versatile 4x4 chassis, renowned for its performance in challenging environments and its capacity for heavy payloads. However, to transform this civilian vehicle into an effective military platform, specific modifications were carried out in France. The most significant of these adaptations involved integrating the PAMELA platform, a system designed specifically for MISTRAL missile launches. These modifications were implemented through continuous dialogue between Scania engineers and French military experts, ensuring the platform perfectly aligned with air defense missions.
The Scania Vampire significantly enhances the French Army's air defense and mobility capabilities. Designed to integrate the PAMELA platform for MISTRAL 3 missile deployment, this system provides effective defense against modern aerial threats, including drones, helicopters, and low-altitude aircraft. Its advanced technology strengthens the protection of ground forces against an evolving aerial threat environment.
Equipped with a 4x4 all-terrain chassis, the Vampire is distinguished by its exceptional mobility. Its ability to operate in challenging conditions and its air-transportable design make it a strategic asset for missions requiring rapid deployment. It can support units across diverse terrains, ensuring constant and flexible air defense coverage.
Although the exact model of the Scania Vampire remains confidential, its features are reportedly similar to those of the Deep Replenishment Vehicle (VRP), currently used by the 4th Special Forces Helicopter Regiment. This air-transportable vehicle, equipped with a 460-horsepower engine and capable of carrying a maximum load of 14.5 tons, is designed to operate in difficult environments while ensuring high mobility and modern air defense capabilities.
The SIMMT emphasized that this project is the result of an innovative collaborative approach involving industry, engineers, and end-users. By introducing the Scania Vampire, the French Army takes a significant step forward in strengthening its ground-based air defense, combining technological modernization with strategic adaptation to contemporary aerial threats.