The Irish Defence Forces are pursuing a major modernisation of its ground forces, with a planned €1 billion acquisition from KNDS France.
The programme is intended to be executed through a multi-tranche procurement of various Scorpion-class armoured vehicles and CAESAR wheeled self-propelled howitzers, with deliveries completed by 2030. The modernisation will include the fielding of the KNDS France Scorpion family of vehicles, including the Jaguar reconnaissance and combat vehicle, the Griffon troop carrier, the Serval light armoured vehicle, and the CAESAR 155mm self-propelled howitzer. All of these have been fielded by the French and Belgian armies as part of their broader shift to a digital battlespace. The acquisition will replace the Irish military’s ageing Mowag Piranha III wheeled combat vehicles and RG432 scout/reconnaissance vehicles. The resulting fielding will bring the latest technologies not only to Irish units in vehicles and armament but also in digitalisation, networking and C3I.
The Jaguar EBRC 6×6 is an armoured reconnaissance and combat vehicle armed with a 40 mm CTA International cannon using telescoped ammunition, MMP anti-tank guided missiles, and a remotely operated 7.62 mm machine gun. It combines effective direct fire with advanced all-conditions sensors and battlefield management connectivity. It, along with the other associated vehicles, integrates the Scorpion Information and Combat System. This system provides a real-time data-sharing network across units, enhancing target acquisition and coordinated fires. The Jaguar will likely equip the Irish Cavalry Corps, which had lost a sizeable portion of its firepower and active reconnaissance capability with the retirement of the FV101 Scorpion light tanks in 2017. The Jaguar is set to fill this gap.
The Serval 4×4 is a light multirole armoured vehicle designed to provide highly mobile, protected rapid reaction, reconnaissance, and support. Serval offers modular armour protection against small-arms fire, mines, and improvised explosive devices, with tactical mobility suited to urban, expeditionary, and peace-support operations. Versions are offered for troop transport, command and control, intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance, and specialist tasks. Weighing 15-17 tonnes, it is designed for light infantry brigades and support units. It is A300 aircraft transportable.
The Griffon VBMR 6×6 multirole armoured vehicle provides troop transport, a command version, an ambulance, and a 120mm MEPAC platform. It offers ballistic and mine protection, with modular mission kits. It is integrated into the Scorpion digital architecture. At 24.5 tonnes, it provides protection to STANAG Level 4.
The CAESAR 155 mm truck-mounted artillery howitzer offers a battle-proven long-range fire capability. Its range exceeds 40 km with extended-range ammunition, and it can also rapidly deploy and displace, reducing its vulnerability to counter-battery fire. The truck chassis provides rapid mobility, operational transportability, and lower field costs, with high reliability. It replaces current 105 mm towed howitzers.
The planned action was first reported in the French newspaper La Tribune on February 21, 2026. This proposed programme would be the largest single military acquisition by the Irish government. It would also align Irish ground forces with those of European militaries, including the introduction of a network-enabled combined-arms capability. The resulting force would represent a step forward in reconnaissance, protection, mobility, and long-range precision fires, and would reinforce its position within the European military structure.
by Stephen W. Miller
