Nexter and Texelis, as part of the temporary grouping of companies (GME) light-VBMR (Véhicule Blindé Multi-Rôles) SERVAL, were notified on December 23, 2020 by the French Delegation for Armaments (DGA) of the first production tranches of the SERVAL contract, i.e. 364 vehicles. This notification provides for the delivery in 2022 of the first 12 production vehicles in the first half of the year, followed by a further 96 in the second half.
The SERVAL is a 15-ton multi-role armored vehicle which integrates various equipment common to other SCORPION vehicles, especially the electronic core, a turret remotely operated from the passenger compartment, threat sensors and the SCORPION Combat Information System (SICS), which enables it to be integrated into the SCORPION systems network. Based on a modular architecture, Nexter and Texelis have developed three main versions of this weapon system (patrol, intelligence and reconnaissance, and communications relay), themselves available in numerous variants.
Designed to operate in combat zones, the SERVAL combines flexibility, strategic mobility and payload carrying capacity. It is the indispensable complement to the heavy multi-role armored vehicle GRIFFON (EBMR) and the armored reconnaissance and combat vehicle JAGUAR (EBRC) that will equip the land task force’s armored middle segment. In addition, as part of a procedure launched by the gendarmerie to renew its fleet of armored vehicles, the GME offers a system based on the Serval that integrates a motorized protection solution capable of operating in mainland France and overseas.
Despite the difficulties caused by the health crisis, Nexter and Texelis have managed, on a very tight schedule, to develop a highly protected and particularly mobile combat vehicle.
While waiting for the first deliveries, SERVAL's qualification process is continuing with around ten prototypes currently undergoing qualification tests.
Nexter and Texelis welcome this notification and testify to the involvement of the GME SERVAL teams, who work tirelessly to ensure the satisfaction of end users.
Nexter, the leading French land defense company and third European player in the ammunition sector is part of the KNDS Group. The scope of its business includes as well the supply of weapon systems and ammunition for air and naval forces. Nexter also provides systems and protection solutions in the field of homeland security.
The group continues to apply its international development policy with 69% of the order intake in 2019 intended for the export market. In France, Nexter is fully committed to meeting the objectives of the SCORPION program, through the upgrade of the Leclerc tank and the development of the VBMR GRIFFON and EBRC JAGUAR vehicles within the temporary business venture between Nexter, Thales and Arquus, as well as the Lightweight VBMR SERVAL.
The group’s range of products also includes TITUS® and VBCI armored vehicles, CAESAR® and 105LG1 artillery systems, smart ammunition (BONUS), robots, many equipment, as well as customer service, support and revaluation. In 2019, Nexter’s turnover amounted to €2.5 billion.
Texelis is a leader in the design and manufacture of axles, drivelines and total mobility solutions for 4 × 4, 6 × 6 and 8 × 8 military vehicles. In 2018, the DGA has entrusted the development and implementation contract for Light VBMR to Nexter and Texelis. The Light VBMR fulfils the light vehicle component of France’s “SCORPION” program.
Texelis is responsible for delivering the full vehicle driveline for integration with the systems produced by Nexter for Serval. This solution has been designed to maximize mobility for the extremely demanding and restrictive environment in which the French Army’s vehicle fleet operates in today’s battlefield, delivering advanced protection, and enhanced strategic and tactical mobility.
Texelis supports both manufacturers and operators throughout the product lifecycle, from initial design through renewal. Permanent attention is paid to the technical, robustness and adaptability to always meet the end-users needs and requirements.
By expanding its offer developing chassis and mobility kits for monohull vehicles Texelis is proving all its know-how and technology and is positioning itself as the mobility partner of armored vehicles of today and tomorrow.
