French Army DGA signs €500 Mn contract for 420 Serval armored vehicles.

On February 1, 2024, the DGA (French Army Procurement Agency) announced a significant procurement within the Scorpion program. The DGA has ordered 420 new Serval multi-role armored vehicles, for an estimated cost of 500 million euros. By 2030, a total of 978 Servals are expected to be delivered to the French Army, with 60 units supplied in 2022 and 129 in 2023.
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By 2030, a total of 978 Servals are expected to be delivered to the French Army. (Picture source: Army Recognition)

The Serval family comprises different variants, each tailored to specific operational requirements. Alongside the standard armored patrol vehicle, there are versions designed for surveillance, intelligence and reconnaissance, and tactical communication. Importantly, a new "electronic warfare" version has been introduced in this order, further diversifying the Serval's capabilities.

A notable feature of the Serval is its modular design, offering three primary versions – patrol, intelligence and reconnaissance, and communications relay – available in various specialized configurations. These include armored patrol vehicles, medical transports, air defense platforms, engineering and mortar variants, command posts, and tactical communication hubs.

Equipped with a remote-controlled turret provided by Arquus, the Serval offers versatility in armament, with options for either a 12.7mm or 7.62mm weapon system. Its compact dimensions, measuring 6.7 meters in length, 3.5 meters in height, and 2.5 meters in width, combined with a maximum speed of 90 kilometers per hour and an operational range of 600 kilometers, provide maneuverability across diverse terrains, including slopes with gradients of up to 60 percent.

The Serval is a key component of the Scorpion program, designed to replace the aging VAB armored personnel carrier. It complements heavy multi-role armored vehicles like the Griffon and the armored reconnaissance and combat vehicle Jaguar, equipping the land task force's armored middle segment.

As part of the Scorpion program, initiated in 2014, the Serval benefits from advanced electronic systems shared by other Scorpion vehicles. These systems, including the CONTACT radio for communication, the BARAGE jammer for electronic warfare, and the SICS (Système d'Information et de Communication Scorpion) for real-time data exchange, enhance the vehicle's situational awareness and command capabilities. This integration into the Scorpion systems network, which includes the Griffon, Jaguar, and Leclerc XLR main battle tank, strengthens the French Army's overall battlefield capabilities.