Nexter SERVAL

Next SERVAL history

The modern battlefield requires responsive light military vehicles that must perform a variety of missions using a single chassis type. Such was the case with the French-born "SERVAL", a light 4x4 armored vehicle used to revitalize and modernize the French army as part of a new generation of armored fighting vehicles under the "Project Scorpion" covering the modernized LeClerc XLR main battle Tanks, Jaguar ERBC Assault Transporter on 6x6 wheels, Griffon Armored Utility Vehicle on 6x6 wheels and the aforementioned 4x4 SERVAL.

SERVAL was originally known by the project name "VBMR-L". It is related to the development of the 25 ton 6x6 wheeled VBMR "Griffon" armored vehicle, which is described elsewhere on this website.

From 2022, SERVAL will be used by the French Army to replace the aging Vanguard Blind Vehicle (VAB) range.

SERVAL uses a traditional 4x4 wheel arrangement, setting the chassis in a two-axle configuration. The wheels have a large run-flat design and offer excellent ground clearance. As usual, the engine is at the front of the design, and the driver/passenger compartment is directly at the rear. The cabin can be used for a variety of tasks, including general personnel transport as well as casualty transport. Access to the front of the car is achieved through car-style doors located on either side of the driving area.

The roofline is flat, providing options for carrying gear and mounting locations for the Remote Weapon Station (RWS). The RWS is armed with a 7.62mm Medium Machine Gun (MMG) and a row of 8 smoke grenade launchers.

Machine guns are used for anti-personnel purposes, while smoke grenades can help protect vehicles from enemy sight. Bulletproof windows and armor provide some protection for occupants from pistol and cannon spray, as well as hidden improvised explosive devices (IEDs).

SERVAL will come in three different production forms: VPB, NCT and SA2R. The VPB is an armored patrol vehicle variant designed for reconnaissance, security detail and limited fire support. The NCT is a tactical communications node model that equips the role with additional communications equipment.

SA2R is a surveillance, acquisition, intelligence and detection model that allows commanders to better "see" the battlefield in terms of intelligence gathering.

According to Nexter, the SERVAL is a design intended for light combat, deployed in contested frontline areas. Its inherent speed and survivability aspects allow it to participate in the critical early stages of operations and provide full support for the special missions carried out by the French Army's special forces. In addition, SERVAL can operate in almost any environment - be it temperate, desert or arctic.

Due to the vehicle's lightweight construction and relatively compact dimensions, the SERVAL can be transported in the belly of heavy trucks, such as the four-engine Airbus military A400M "Atlas".

The recent battle of the French army in Mali forced the modernization of French mechanized units, and the SERVAL seems to be exactly what the general is asking for - mobility, adaptability and reliability. The service placed an initial order of 489 units with Nexter in February 2018.

Up to 978 vehicles will be procured by 2030.

Specification

Basic

Roles

Dimensions

Performance

Performance

Armor

1,200x7.62mm ammunition.

8 x Smoke Grenade.

Changes