The first units of the Jaguar R3, a new armored vehicle for the French Army, have been delivered after approval by the Direction générale de l'armement (DGA), France's defense procurement agency. On September 21, the DGA confirmed that the Jaguar R3 is now officially combat-ready. Twenty-one of these vehicles were delivered during the summer, marking the first phase of a larger modernization effort. This comes as part of a broader plan to replace older armored vehicles with more advanced models. The Jaguar R3 was approved on April 8 by the DGA and the French Army after a rigorous qualification process. Its deployment was officially authorized on July 20. This wheeled armored vehicle is lighter and more maneuverable than traditional tanks, making it ideal for reconnaissance and intelligence-gathering missions. It weighs 25 tonnes and is equipped with six driven wheels, a 40 mm cannon that uses telescopic ammunition, and a remotely operated turret with a 7.62 mm machine gun. The vehicle also includes long-range cameras for visibility in both day and night conditions, and its armor is designed to protect against mines and improvised explosive devices. A "survival cell" architecture ensures the safety of the crew in the event of an explosion. The Jaguar R3 is intended to replace older models such as the AMX10RC and VAB, which have been in service for decades. The upcoming addition of a medium-range missile (MMP) will significantly enhance the vehicle’s combat capabilities, allowing it to strike targets up to four kilometers away. This will increase the efficiency of military operations and reduce the risk to the crew. The Jaguar R3 is part of the Scorpion program, a larger modernization initiative that includes other vehicles like the Serval and Griffon, which are all connected through a shared combat system known as SICS. The production of the Jaguar R3 involves several French defense companies, including KNDS France, Thales, Arquus, Safran, CTA International, and MBDA. Existing Jaguar vehicles already in service will be upgraded to meet the new R3 standard. The goal is to complete this modernization by the end of 2027, ensuring the French Army remains equipped with state-of-the-art technology.