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France Deploys Jaguar EBRC as New Weapon Against Maritime Drones.
From September 23 to 26, 2024, the French Navy's Naval Action Force (FAN) Training Division organized Exercise Wildfire off the coast of Toulon, featuring the Jaguar EBRC (Engin Blindé de Reconnaissance et de Combat) armored vehicle tested against kamikaze drones. This innovative exercise gathered multiple naval and air units to prepare forces for various drone threats potentially encountered during operations. In a video shared by the French Navy, the Jaguar EBRC, firmly secured on the deck of a landing craft, underscored the Navy’s focus on strengthening defense measures.
The exercise incorporated a Jaguar EBRC, a vehicle primarily designed for land operations, mounted on a fast amphibious landing craft (EDAR) (Picture source: French Navy)
Numerous FAN and naval aviation units participated, including the air defense frigate Forbin, the FREMM air defense frigate Lorraine, the FREMM Languedoc, the La Fayette-class frigate Guépratte, amphibious landing assets from the amphibious flotilla, two Caiman Marine helicopters from Flotilla 31F, two Rafale Marine aircraft, and an Atlantique II maritime patrol aircraft.
This exercise reflects a response to growing drone threats in maritime settings, where drones are increasingly used for large-scale, low-cost attacks. Lessons from the French Navy’s experience patrolling the Red Sea, where it protects maritime traffic from Houthi kamikaze drone attacks, have enabled the integration of innovative solutions based on existing technologies. France and its allies are also exploring more cost-effective methods to counter these drones, often crafted with basic materials. In line with this, the French Navy aims to maximize available resources while seeking new solutions.
The exercise incorporated a Jaguar EBRC, a vehicle primarily designed for land operations, mounted on a fast amphibious landing craft (EDAR). Entering service with the French armed forces in 2022, this combat vehicle is armed with a 40mm CTA40 automatic cannon capable of firing programmable airburst rounds, effectively targeting drones. Secured with chains for stability, the Jaguar is also equipped to fire Akeron MP anti-tank missiles if required, providing added defense against naval and aerial drones.
The Jaguar EBRC, a 6x6 armored reconnaissance and combat vehicle, is part of France's Scorpion EBMR program, launched in 2014 to modernize the French Army's vehicle fleet. Led by Nexter, Renault Trucks Defense, and Thales, the program replaces outdated AMX-10RC and ERC-90 Sagaie vehicles. The French Army plans to acquire 248 Jaguars, with initial deliveries beginning in 2020. By 2025, 110 units are expected to be operational, and Belgium has also ordered 60 Jaguars under a defense agreement.
Designed with advanced protection, it meets NATO STANAG 4569 Level 4 standards, providing armor against 14.5mm armor-piercing rounds and artillery fragments. With a 500 hp diesel engine, the vehicle can reach speeds up to 90 km/h and has a range of 800 km. A suite of defensive systems, including laser warnings, missile detection, and infrared jamming, enhances situational awareness, making it a robust asset for reconnaissance and combat.
During Exercise Wildfire, naval artillery was also deployed to intercept aerial targets. Although traditionally symbolic, these naval guns demonstrated their effectiveness against moderately fast airborne targets. The 20mm F2 automatic gun, a naval weapon in service since 1983 and based on the M693 from the 1960s, was used to target drones with accurate firing, though this largely relies on the operator's skill. Other portable weapons, such as pivot-mounted machine guns, served as a final line of defense against fast-moving, maneuverable drones, though with some limitations.
While this exercise tested several solutions, it also highlighted the ongoing challenges of countering drones at sea. Existing measures, though varied, do not yet offer a standardized, mass-produced solution to address both naval and aerial drone threats. The French Navy continues to explore innovative tactics and technology, drawing from historical adaptations, as seen during WWII when warships across nations were eventually equipped with Oerlikon anti-aircraft guns to defend against air attacks.