“France Enhances Military Might with 530 State-of-the-Art Serval Appui SCORPION Combat Vehicles”
Paris, February 8, 2025 – The French Directorate General of Armament (DGA) placed a significant order on December 31, 2024, for 530 Serval Appui SCORPION armored vehicles aimed at the French Armed Forces. Deliveries are expected to begin at the end of 2025 and continue until 2031.
This acquisition, estimated to be over one billion Euros, represents a major commitment to advancing the capabilities of the French Armed Forces. It will primarily benefit local defense industries, including KNDS France (operating in Satory, Bourges, and Roanne), TEXELIS (Limoges), MBDA (Plessis Robinson and Bourges), and CS GROUP (Plessis Robinson and Toulon).
The Serval Appui SCORPION, designed for high-intensity combat operations, enhances the proven performance and military specifications of the Serval armored platform. Furthermore, this order includes 97 additional Serval vehicles, bringing the total count of Serval and Serval Appui SCORPION units to 627.
This procurement is a component of the Multipurpose Light Tactical Vehicle (VLTP) initiative and is consistent with the 2024-2030 military programming legislation (LPM). Additionally, it strengthens the Surface Air Low Layer Defense and Anti-Drone Warfare programs, which seek to develop ground-to-air defensive systems and anti-drone operational frameworks, respectively.
The resilient armor of the Serval Appui SCORPION, integrated within the SCORPION system, will enhance operational capabilities for Army units deployed in conflict regions, within the Joint Brigade and divisions, ensuring crucial command, logistical support, and sustainability features. This vehicle guarantees superior levels of mobility, protection, autonomy, and deployment efficiency, alongside modularity and advanced high-value functionalities.
This procurement addresses critical capability gaps, modernizing:
- Ground-to-Air Defense: A specialized version of the Serval will feature a turret capable of firing Mistral 3 ground-to-air missiles while armored.
- Anti-Drone Operations: Another variant of the Serval will be outfitted with integrated radar, radio frequency detection, a fire control system, a 30x113mm cannon mounted on a turret, and specialized munitions.
- Tactical Communication Node: A dedicated model will provide SYRACUSE IV satellite, radio, and communication services.
This order for 530 Serval Appui SCORPION vehicles marks the third phase of the VLTP program. Phase 1 resulted in the delivery of 4,380 VT4 vehicles, while phase 2 included an order for 103 unarmored medical vehicles.
