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[panzergator]

An interesting Youtube: Why This 'Cheap' French Armoured Truck Became the Vehicle 3 NATO Nations All Chose.

Worthy of consideration, especially when paired with new Jaguar.

[redleg]

Very interesting video, PG. Thanks for sharing! Seems like a pretty cool vehicle!

[chrisswim]

AI Overview
The "cheap" French armoured vehicles chosen by NATO nations are the Serval VBMR-L (4x4 light multirole vehicle) and the VBCI (8x8 infantry fighting vehicle). Often favored for their cost-effectiveness compared to heavy tracked vehicles, they became multinational choices primarily due to rapid deployment capabilities and SCORPION digital interoperability.
The rapid adoption of these French platforms by multiple European forces comes down to three key factors:

1. Exceptional Value and Lower Operating CostsCompared to tracked alternatives, wheeled platforms like the Serval and VBCI offer significant savings in maintenance, fuel, and lifecycle costs. Because they can be driven on standard road networks without tearing up the asphalt or relying on heavy-equipment transport (HET) trailers, they are incredibly cost-effective to operate during routine patrols and peacekeeping missions.

2. High Mobility and Rapid DeployabilityThe Serval (15–17 tons) and the VBCI (28–32 tons) are specifically built for expeditionary warfare. The Serval is compact enough to be rapidly airlifted by C-130 Hercules or A400M Atlas aircraft, making it the perfect vehicle for NATO rapid-response units. Wheeled platforms also allow troops to maintain momentum; if a Serval loses a tire to debris or a light blast, it can still drive away—unlike a tracked vehicle, which is instantly immobilized if a track link breaks.

3. NATO Interoperability via SCORPIONThe massive draw for partner nations like Belgium and Luxembourg (which are co-developing the CaMo program with France) is the integration of the SCORPION combat information system. This digital network allows different NATO militaries to share real-time tactical data, blue-force tracking, and intelligence instantly. By purchasing the same French hardware, these nations achieve instant cross-border synergy and supply chain consistency.

[chrisswim]

The 4x4 will have a problem if it lost a wheel, that one seems big, a Fennec might be better being smaller in recon function. If a 6x6, move up to the VBCI 8x8 or many other 8x8 vehicles. If needing to get out of trouble with firepower, consider AMX-10 RC, Centauro 105 or 120, Rooikat 105 (only prototyped).

[redleg]

What I got from the video was that the Gryphon was designed from the beginning to be part of the digital battlefield network. Theoretically I suppose you could add the digital equipment to an existing vehicle, but it wouldn't be the same as a platform that was purposely built to be digital.

Still though, I have some fond memories of the VAB. It's kinda like when I watched Top Gun and I got all exciting during the opening sequence showing the carrier ops, and then I realized that all of the aircraft shown are now obsolete and retired from service!

[foxbat]

Indeed. That's how I feel about the AMX 30 B2