The French army deployed the Serval armored vehicle for the first time near the Russian border

The French Army recently deployed the Serval Multipurpose Armored Vehicle (VBMR) for the first time in an external theater of operations. These vehicles have arrived in Estonia, marking their participation in the Lynx mission. This deployment is in line with France's ongoing efforts to strengthen strategic solidarity with its allies, as emphasized by General Pierre Schill, the French Army Chief of Staff.

Unlike the VBMR Griffon and the Jaguar Armored Reconnaissance and Combat Vehicle (EBRC), the armored Serval was not tested in the harsh climate of the Sahel, as its delivery to the army coincided with France's withdrawal from the Sahel-Saharan strip. The first four Serval vehicles were delivered to the Combat Support Center (CAPCIA) – of the 51st Infantry Regiment in Murmelon, Marne. A year later, the 3rd Marine Parachute Regiment (RPIMa) became the first combat unit equipped with the Serval.

In January, Colonel Patrick Ponzoni, then head of the French force in Estonia, announced that the Serval would be involved in the Lynx mission from August. Despite the slight delay, the recent arrival of the Serval in Estonia marks a significant step for the French army in the deployment of its latest equipment.

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Designed to equip rapid response forces in emergency situations, the Serval is a 4×4 armored vehicle weighing from 15 up to 17 tons, produced by KNDS France (formerly Nexter) in collaboration with Texelis. It has several systems like the other vehicles in the SCORPION program, such as vitronics and command information systems.

Armed with a remote-controlled turret with a 12.7 mm machine gun and threat detectors, the Serval can transport eight soldiers equipped with the FELIN (Integrated Dismounted Soldier) system, in addition to two crew members. The vehicle has a range of 600 km and a top speed of 90 km/h.

The VBMR-L Serval was developed as part of the SCORPION program to meet the needs of the French Army. Production began after the contract was signed in February 2018. The French Ministry of Defense plans to purchase more than 2,000 of these vehicles by 2030, of which 978 are expected to be in service by that date. An initial batch of 364 Servals was ordered in December 2020, with deliveries beginning in 2022.

This Serval deployment in Estonia demonstrates its combat capabilities, as well as the tactical and strategic mobility that differentiates it from Armored Forward Vehicle (VAB). According to the Technical Department of the French Army (STAT), these features increase the Serval's versatility in various operational environments.