VBMR-L Serval

VBMR-L Serval

Company type	Military vehicle
Industry	Defence
Founded	February 2018 (development contract awarded)
Founder	Nexter and Texelis
Products	Armoured personnel carrier (multi-role light armored vehicle)

The Véhicule Blindé Multi-Rôle Léger Serval (VBMR-L Serval) has been developed to succeed the Véhicule de l'Avant Blindé (VAB) and to operate alongside the heavier VBMR Griffon. Weighing approximately 17 tonnes in combat—around 25% more than the VAB—this four-wheeled vehicle is engineered for enhanced agility in frontline missions. It is primarily deployed within light infantry formations such as the 11th Airborne Brigade and 27th Mountain Infantry Brigade.

In February 2018, the development contract was awarded to Nexter and Texelis. The production plan anticipates delivering 489 units by 2025 and reaching 978 by 2030 as part of the SCORPION initiative. Furthermore, an additional 1,060 vehicles are projected under the VLTP-P segment haut program, with deliveries extending through 2035 to bolster support elements within ground forces.

Development

The preceding two SCORPION vehicles laid the groundwork for the swift three-year development of the Serval, achieving an average procurement cost of €1.2 million per unit (FY2021), which is notably lower than separate development efforts. Mirroring the Griffon, the Serval accommodates up to ten troops and is equipped with integrated vetronics, threat detection systems, and the SICS combat information system for full integration into the SCORPION network. Its baseline VPB model offers either a remotely controlled gyro-stabilized T2 Hornet Lite turret armed with a 7.62 mm machine gun or a T1 Hornet turret fitted with 7.62 mm or 12.7 mm machine guns; both turret options include the GALIX countermeasure suite.

According to Nexter, the compact dimensions of the Serval enhance its deployment versatility; an A400M aircraft can transport two fully equipped Servals compared to only one Griffon or Jaguar. The initial four vehicles were delivered in May 2022, with a total of 189 units expected by the end of 2023.

Configurations

Within the framework of the SCORPION programme, four primary variants of the Serval are available: VPB (armored patrol), SA2R (surveillance-target acquisition-intelligence-reconnaissance), NCT (tactical communications node), and GE (electronic warfare). The predominant VPB variant encompasses up to ten subvariants corresponding to those in the Griffon VTT family: light infantry transport, medium-range missile platform (MMP), command post (EPC), artillery observation (OA), 81 mm and 120 mm mortar carriers, combat engineering (GEN), medical evacuation (SAN), refueling (RAV), and dismounted very short-range air defense system (SATCP).

The SA2R variant includes intelligence processing (TDR) and acquisition (ACQ) subvariants; ACQ models are outfitted with Thales' MURIN ground radar alongside electro-optical/infrared sensors. The NCT variant facilitates mobile theater communications through four subvariants capable of both stationary and on-the-move operations.

In late 2023, the DGA placed an order for an additional 420 Serval vehicles to enhance operational capabilities, including introducing an electronic warfare variant alongside the previously procured three.

VLTP-P segment haut programme

The VLTP-P segment haut initiative seeks to supply combat and support units operating within the SCORPION framework with vehicles identical to those delivered under SCORPION contracts. Endorsed by the French Army’s Technical Section for this "high protected" category, the Serval will replace various unarmored support vehicles at brigade and division echelons. Although SCORPION and VLTP-P operate under distinct budgets and schedules, deliveries of 1,060 Serval VLTP-P units—including ten artillery command variants—are slated to commence in 2025.

Air defence platforms

Recent expansions in the Serval lineup address surface-to-air defense and counter-unmanned aerial vehicle missions, responding to capability shortfalls identified in the 2024-2030 LPM. Deliveries planned by 2030 include twelve counter-UAV systems (Serval LAD) and twenty-four very short-range air defense systems (Serval Mistral), increasing to at least forty and forty-five units respectively by 2035.

Nexter is exploring two design concepts for Serval LAD: one involves a multi-vehicle system equipped with advanced sensors such as X-band radar for extended detection ranges but entails greater complexity and expense; the alternative is a more self-contained single-vehicle solution preferred for its robustness in high-intensity conflict scenarios. This latter option likely incorporates Nexter's ARX 30 remotely operated turret introduced in 2022, armed with a GIAT 30 mm cannon adapted from naval RapidFire technology and specialized anti-drone munitions. A hybrid configuration combining this cannon with MC2 Technologies' NEROD RF anti-drone jamming rifle is also under evaluation, although sensor integration details remain undecided.

The Serval Mistral supersedes legacy platforms like PAMELA, providing both fixed-site and mobile surface-to-air defense capabilities. Two concepts coexist: an operational Serval SATCP subvariant deploying dismounted Mistral launchers, and a forthcoming Serval Mistral featuring an ATLAS RC remotely operated turret mounting at least two Mistral 3 missiles plus defensive weaponry. This configuration will integrate comprehensive detection and command systems including X-band radar for target identification and engagement coordination.

VBMR-L Serval Scorpion

• VPB: Armored patrol vehicle
  • Infanterie: Light infantry carrier
  • MMP: Medium-range missile platform
  • MO81: Carrier for 81 mm mortars
  • MO120: Carrier for 120 mm mortars
  • SATCP: Dismounted very short-range surface-to-air missile system
  • EPC: Command post
  • OA: Artillery observation
  • GEN: Combat engineering
  • SAN: Medical evacuation
  • RAV: Refueling vehicle
• SA2R: ISTAR vehicle
  • ACQ: Acquisition subvariant
  • TDR: Intelligence processing subvariant
• NCT: Tactical communications node vehicle
• GE: Electronic warfare vehicle

VLTP P Serval

• Serval LAD
• Serval Mistral/TCP

Current operators

France (978)

Projected total orders:

• VBMR-L Serval Scorpion programme: 978 units planned
• VLTP P Serval programme: 1,060 units planned

Confirmed orders::

• VBMR-L Serval Scorpion:
  • First tranche (2020): 364 units ordered
  • Second tranche (2023): 420 units ordered
  • Third tranche (2024): 97 units ordered
• VLTP P Serval:
  • First tranche (2024): 530 units ordered

Deliveries completed::

• 2022: Sixty units delivered
• 2023: Additional 129 units delivered; cumulative total of 189 units received by French Army
• Scheduled deliveries:
  • 2024: One hundred three units planned
  • By end of 2025: Total of 489 units anticipated
  • By end of 2030:

• • • 978 Serval Scorpion
    • 36 VLTP P Serval (including twelve Serval LAD, twenty-four Serval Mistral)

• • By end of 2035:

• • • 978 Serval Scorpion
    • 1,060 VLTP P Serval
      • 40 Serval LAD
      • 45 Serval Mistral(TCP)

Prospective Operators

(5)

In November 2024, the Luxembourg legislature authorized the procurement.

The acquisition package consists of:

• Two command vehicles designated for headquarters use
• Two armoured personnel carriers allocated to squadrons
• One training vehicle designed for driver instruction, turret handling, and communication systems

Potential Customers

(1,060)

Further orders for the VLTP P segment haut programme are anticipated through 2035.

The Irish Defence Forces have expressed interest in the VBMR-L Serval.

(123)

A minimum of 123 units is projected to be purchased.

External links

Metravib Defence