Serval VBMR-L French 4x4 Light Multi-Role Armored Vehicle
Serval VBMR-L
Light Multi-Role Armored Vehicle
Other
Basic Information
Name
Serval VBMR-L French 4x4 Light Multi-Role Armored Vehicle
Designation
Serval VBMR-L
Alternate Designation
Serval VBMR-L
Equipment Type
Light Multi-Role Armored Vehicle
Manufacturer
KNDS France; Texelis
Date of Introduction
2020
Description
The Serval VBMR-L is a state-of-the-art, versatile, medium-weight 4x4 wheeled armored vehicle developed by Nexter Systems, now part of KNDS, in collaboration with Texelis for the French Army as part of the SCORPION modernization program. Renowned for its high level of tactical and strategic mobility, the Serval is designed to perform a wide range of military missions while providing superior protection for its crew and deployed soldiers. As a crucial asset in France's modernized military, the Serval enhances the army's flexibility and operational effectiveness, facilitating rapid deployments and adaptability across various scenarios. Its versatile design, combined with high mobility and protective features, makes it well-suited for missions such as troop transport, reconnaissance, fire support, and command and control operations. Moreover, the Serval is essential to the SCORPION program, which aims to modernize the French Army by equipping it with advanced and adaptable armored vehicles. The vehicle's tactical mobility is complemented by its strategic transportability, as it can be airlifted by a C-130 Hercules (one vehicle in air transport configuration) or an A400M Atlas (up to two vehicles in combat configuration). Additionally, it can be transported by rail or maritime routes, making it a highly versatile platform for rapid deployment and redeployment in various operational theaters.
Ground Specifications
Crew
2
Mobility Type
Wheeled (4x4)
Main Weapon
12.7mm heavy machine gun
Engine
6-Cylinder Turbocharged Diesel (375 hp)
NBC Protection
Yes
Max Speed
100.0 km/h
Range
800.0 km
Variants
Serval VPB Véhicule de Patrouille Blindé
A protected patrol vehicle designed for reconnaissance and security missions. It offers mobility and protection, ideal for patrolling in high-threat environments.
Serval Infanterie FELIN Transport d'Infanterie
A troop carrier vehicle tailored for infantry squads, integrated with the FELIN system for enhanced communication and battlefield coordination.
Serval VOA Véhicule d'Observation d'Artillerie
An artillery observation vehicle equipped with targeting and fire control systems to support forward artillery operations with real-time reconnaissance and fire adjustment.
Serval Génie
A combat engineering vehicle designed for tasks such as mine clearance, obstacle removal, and fortification building, providing mobility and protection for engineering units.
Serval VPM 81 Véhicule Porte Mortier de 81 mm Mo 81 LLR Embarqué
A mobile mortar carrier for the 81mm Mo 81 LLR mortar system, providing rapid fire support for infantry units while maintaining high mobility.
Serval VTM 120 Véhicule Tracteur de Mortier de 120 mm Tracté 120MM RT
A 120mm towed mortar carrier, designed to transport and operate the 120mm RT mortar system, offering heavy fire support with mobility for repositioning.
Serval LAD Lutte Anti-Drone
An anti-drone armored vehicle armed with a 30mm automatic cannon and equipped with radar, electronic warfare systems, and jammers to detect, track, and neutralize enemy drones and UAVs.
Serval DSA Défense Sol-Air
A short-range air defense vehicle equipped with Mistral surface-to-air missile systems (SAM) to protect ground forces from aerial threats such as helicopters and UAVs.
System
Alternative Designation
Serval VBMR-L
Type
Light Multi-Role Armored Vehicle
Manufacturer
KNDS France;
Texelis
Configuration
4x4
Crew
2 ea
Passengers
8 ea
Communications
The vehicle is part of the SCORPION program's C4I (Command, Control, Communications, Computers, and Intelligence) systems for communications. It incorporates the Common SCORPION vetronics and information system, which is designed to facilitate seamless communication with other units and command centers. The Serval can be outfitted with various radios, including Contact, RIF NG, PRC117, as well as satellite communication systems like MELCHIOR or SYRACUSE. This ensures high levels of interoperability across different platforms.
Note
The Serval VBMR-L is equipped with an advanced array of combat technology that enhances its operational capabilities. It features a sophisticated 360° vision system consisting of four cameras, along with ANTARES, which is a laser rangefinder and targeting system. Additionally, it includes a rearview camera that provides situational awareness from all angles. The vehicle is also outfitted with MURIN radar (in the RECCO version), a system designed for reconnaissance and target acquisition. These technologies are essential for battlefield intelligence and enable the vehicle to respond quickly to potential threats.
Dimensions
Length
6.7 m
Width
2.55 m
Height
3.5 m
Weight, Combat
17 tons
Automotive
Engine Name
Cummins
Engine Type
6-cylinder in-line diesel engine
Engine Power
375 hp
Maximum Range
800 km
Maximum Speed, Road
100 km/h
Maximum Speed, Off-Road
50 km/h
Amphibious
No
Main Weapon System
Note
The Serval VBMR-L features a remote-controlled cupola assembly that can accommodate various weapon configurations based on mission requirements. Its primary armament options include a 12.7mm heavy machine gun with a smoke grenade launcher, a 7.62mm machine gun, or a 40mm grenade launcher, which can also be paired with a smoke grenade launcher for defensive or offensive purposes. This flexible armament setup allows the vehicle to effectively engage a variety of targets, from infantry to lightly armored vehicles, while utilizing smoke grenades for screening or suppression.
In addition to the primary weaponry, the Serval is equipped with a self-defense machine gun, which can be either a 5.56mm or 7.62mm caliber weapon mounted at the rear of the roof, depending on the variant. These features ensure that the vehicle is well-prepared for both combat situations and defensive operations.
Protection
Armor
The Serval’s armor consists of a combination of ballistic protection, which shields the vehicle against small arms fire and shrapnel, as well as mine and blast protection to guard against landmines and IEDs (improvised explosive devices).
Applique Armor
Available
NBC Protection
Yes
Smoke Equipment
Yes
Image Sources
Notes
https://armyrecognition.com/news/army-news/2025/french-army-gains-tactical-sigint-with-new-serval-electronic-warfare-vehicle; https://armyrecognition.com/military-products/army/armoured-personnel-carriers/wheeled-vehicles/serval-vbmr-l#spec; https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/VBMR-L_Serval; https://www.defensenews.com/global/europe/2022/05/05/french-military-receives-initial-batch-of-new-serval-armored-vehicles/
Details
Country of Origin
France
Category
Wheeled Light Armored Vehicles
Land > Infantry Vehicles > Wheeled Light Armored Vehicles
Filter Label
S
Classification
Domain
Ground
Equipment Status
Active
Dimensions
Length
6.7 m
Width
2.55 m
Height
3.5 m
Weight
17000 kg
Operators (2)
France
Belgium
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