Nexter Griffon vs KNDS Serval
Nexter Griffon vs KNDS Serval at a glance — weight 24,500 vs 17,000 kg, top speed 90 vs 100 km/h, range 800 vs 600 km, crew — vs —.
| Nexter Griffon | KNDS Serval | |
|---|---|---|
| Origin country | 🇫🇷 France | 🇫🇷 France |
| Category | Armored Personnel Carrier | Armored Personnel Carrier |
| Type | Multirole armoured personnel carrier | Multirole armoured personnel carrier |
| Manufacturer | Arquus / Nexter / Thales | KNDS France |
| Number produced | 575 units | 189 units |
| Estimated unit price | $1.1 million | $1.3 million |
| Combat weight | 24.5 tons | 17.0 tons |
| Maximum speed | 90 km/h | 100 km/h |
| Operational range | 800 km | 600 km |
| Length | 7.58 m | 6.70 m |
| Width | 2.54 m | 2.50 m |
| Height | 2.60 m | 3.50 m |
| Crew | 10 (1 pilot, 1 gunner + 8 soldiers max) | 2 (driver + gunner) |
| Nexter Griffon | KNDS Serval | |
|---|---|---|
| Main armament | 7.62 mm or 12.7 mm machine gun | T2 Hornet Lite or T1 Hornet RWS with a 7.62 mm or a 12.7 mm machine gun |
| Secondary weapon | 40 mm LGA | Akeron MP missiles, Mistral 3 missiles, ARX 30 RWS, MO-120 RT mortar, LLR 81mm mortar |
| Engine | Renault 400 ch (300kW) | Militarized Cummins 6-cylinder in-line diesel engine 375 hp (280 kW) |
Detailed Comparison
Developed under the French Army's SCORPION modernization program, the Griffon (VBMR) and Serval (VBMR-L) function as complementary successors to the Véhicule de l'Avant Blindé (VAB). The Griffon serves as the heavy 6x6 armored personnel carrier intended for main battle groups, while the Serval operates as a lighter 4x4 platform specialized for rapid deployment and difficult terrain.
Development and Design
Launched in 2014 by a consortium of KNDS France, Arquus, and Thales, the Griffon utilizes a semi-modular 6x6 chassis focused on high component commonality to reduce lifecycle costs. It officially entered service in 2019. The Serval, developed by Nexter and Texelis following a 2018 contract, prioritized rapid acquisition, leveraging existing SCORPION technologies to enter service by 2022. Both vehicles rely on a shared vetronics architecture, integrating the SICS combat information system and CONTACT software-defined radios to facilitate real-time tactical data exchange within the digitalized battlespace.
Protection and Firepower
The 24.5-ton Griffon prioritizes survivability, with armor rated against armor-piercing ammunition, artillery splinters, and blast threats, supplemented by a standard CBRN overpressure system. Its primary armament consists of the Hornet remotely operated weapon station (RWS) fitted with 12.7 mm machine guns or 40 mm automatic grenade launchers.
The 17-ton Serval provides ballistic protection appropriate for a light role but integrates the same GALIX multispectral smoke, acoustic gunshot detection, and laser warning systems found on the heavier platform. Despite its smaller footprint, the Serval supports diverse armament configurations for specialized roles, including Akeron MP anti-tank missiles, Mistral 3 surface-to-air missiles, and the ARX 30 RWS for anti-drone engagement.
Mobility and Logistics
The Griffon is powered by a Renault 400 hp (300 kW) engine, achieving a top speed of 90 km/h and an operational range of 800 km. Its 6x6 configuration and rear-axle steering aid maneuverability for its size. The Serval utilizes a militarized Cummins 375 hp (280 kW) engine on a 4x4 chassis, reaching speeds of 100 km/h with a 600 km range. While the Griffon maximizes payload and endurance, carrying up to 10 personnel, the Serval emphasizes strategic mobility; it is designed specifically for air transport, allowing two combat-ready vehicles to deploy via a single A400M aircraft.
Deployment and Combat Record
With 575 units built since 2019, the Griffon constitutes the backbone of French mechanized infantry, operating as a troop transport, command post, and mobile mortar platform (MEPAC). It has been exported to Belgium (CaMo program) and Luxembourg. The Serval, with 189 units built since 2022, primarily equips the French Army's rapid reaction forces, including airborne and mountain brigades. It is also deployed in electronic warfare and support roles under the VLTP-P high-protection segment.
Conclusion
The Griffon provides the mass, protection, and endurance required for sustained high-intensity combined arms maneuvers. The Serval complements this by fulfilling the requirement for a highly mobile, air-transportable asset suited for light infantry insertion and reconnaissance. Together, they stratify the capabilities previously held by the singular VAB platform into distinct heavy and light operational tiers.