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Luxembourg Receives Its First CLRV Reconnaissance Vehicles from Scorpion Program.
Last week, the Luxembourg Army received its first two CLRV (Command Liaison and Reconnaissance Vehicle) reconnaissance vehicles. These initial units will be used for testing and evaluation ahead of the final delivery of vehicles. The first ten production models are expected in March 2025, followed by 30 more by October 2025, and the final 40 by October 2026, replacing the Dingo and Hummer vehicles currently in service.
The CLRV is based on the Eagle V model by General Dynamics European Land Systems. (Picture source: Luxembourg Directorate of Defence)
For this acquisition, which began in June 2021, the Luxembourg Army enlisted the support of NATO’s procurement and support agency, NSPA, which will also provide logistical and technical support for the vehicles throughout their lifecycle. The total investment amounts to €226.6 million, a figure slightly below the projected budget. The maximum program budget, set at €367 million, covers the acquisition of the vehicles along with their weapon and communication systems, as well as logistical support for a lifecycle estimated at between 15 and 20 years.
The contract was awarded to the Swiss company General Dynamics European Land Systems (GDELS). The CLRV vehicles are equipped with a remotely operated DeFNder Medium turret from FN Herstal and benefit from Scorpion program communication solutions provided by Thales Belgium. Designed to carry up to four soldiers, they offer advanced reconnaissance capabilities.
Defense Minister Yuriko Backes emphasized the importance of these vehicles for the transformation of the Luxembourg Army, aiming to maintain its operational readiness and realize the binational Belgian-Luxembourg medium-type combat reconnaissance battalion project. These new vehicles, she specified, will contribute to collective defense and Luxembourg’s commitments within NATO and the European Union in the coming years. In addition to this order, the Luxembourg Army also plans to acquire 16 Griffons, 38 Jaguars, and 5 Serval vehicles, marking a significant capability leap.
The bill relating to this program, with a total budget of €2.6 billion, was presented on May 31. Referred to the Defense Commission on June 6, it will be discussed this Wednesday.
The CLRV, or Command Liaison and Reconnaissance Vehicle, is designed to meet the Luxembourg Army’s needs for reconnaissance and liaison. Based on the Eagle V model by General Dynamics European Land Systems, the CLRV retains the robust characteristics of this proven vehicle, adding specialized communication and combat equipment to better meet modern requirements. Also used by Germany, the Eagle V is a light armored vehicle with significant versatility and exceptional battlefield survivability.
The CLRV can be equipped with either a 7.62 or 12.7 mm caliber machine gun, providing adaptable firepower for reconnaissance missions or convoy protection. Weighing approximately 7 tons, the vehicle is armored to withstand ballistic threats and mine explosions, featuring reinforced armor and a V-shaped hull designed to dissipate blast forces from below. It is also equipped with advanced systems, including run-flat tires, a self-recovery winch, infrared lights, and a centralized tire inflation system, ensuring mobility across various terrains, even under extreme conditions.
With a top speed of 65 km/h on roads and a range of 700 km, the CLRV offers significant operational freedom, allowing it to cover large areas without frequent refueling. Measuring 5.77 meters in length, 2.78 meters in width, and 1.87 meters in height, the vehicle is compact yet spacious enough to carry a crew of two plus two additional soldiers. Its integrated design includes a rear-view camera to enhance visibility and facilitate maneuvering in constrained environments.
Thus, by adapting the Eagle V concept, the CLRV provides Luxembourg’s armed forces with a modern reconnaissance vehicle, capable of combining the power, protection, and mobility necessary to meet current defense commitments within both national and international frameworks.