Today we’re checking out the most modern French light tank, armed with a 40 mm cannon and tandem-charge anti-tank missiles!
Jaguar EBRC: A Light Tank for France at Rank VII |
At a glance:
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Vehicle History
The Jaguar EBRC was developed as part of a large-scale modernization program for the French Army. A consortium comprising of Nexter, Thales and Renault Trucks Defense began developing the vehicle in 2014 to replace the aging AMX-10RC ERC Sagaie and VAB HOT. Key features include a hybrid engine, a 40 mm CTC cannon and a modern SICS networking system.
The first 20 vehicles in the first batch were delivered by December 2021, and by the end of 2023 the army had received 60 vehicles. Plans call for increasing the batch to 300 armored vehicles by 2035, with the Jaguar already demonstrating its capabilities in exercises and preparing for export deliveries, particularly to Belgium.
Introducing the Jaguar EBRC!
It’s time again for another dev blog! Today it’s the Jaguar EBRC, coming as a top-of-the-line light tank armed with a 40 mm cannon and ATGMs for France’s ground forces tree. This fast and large “wheely boi” as many would say is coming in the Spearhead major update, so let’s zoom right into the details.
Did you know? The EBRC in the name is a French acronym for “Engin Blindé de Reconnaissance et de Combat”, in English: “Armoured Reconnaissance and Combat Vehicle”.
Let’s start with the armament of the Jaguar EBRC, which is rather interesting. The primary weapon is the 40 mm CTC cannon, developed by CTA International. This cannon fires telescoped ammunition, where the warhead is housed within a cylindrical cartridge case. Belt-fed, the cannon can fire regular HEI-T rounds as well as HE rounds that have a timed fuse against aircraft, and APFSDS rounds for use against armored vehicles. The rate of fire of this 40 mm cannon is a humble 200 rounds per minute, comparable to Germany’s PUMA.
The two-manned turret houses a launcher with two Akeron MP anti-tank missiles with a tandem-charge warhead and a penetration of over 1,000 mm. Other helpful tools on the Jaguar EBRC include a 7.62 mm machine gun in a remote-controlled mount on the turret roof, and 14 smoke grenades at the back of the vehicle and on the turret. Aside from this, the Jaguar EBRC features a modern fire control system, which includes a handy panoramic commander’s sight, a laser rangefinder and a thermal imager for the commander and gunner.
The all-wheel drive platform gives the Jaguar EBRC a very good top speed! On solid surfaces, the Jaguar can reach speeds of up to 100 km/h. Naturally, this mobility comes at the cost of light protection, demonstrated by thin aluminum alloy armor that is only capable of stopping light bullets. In addition to this, the turret and hull sides are covered by slat armor, which is a researchable modification that can be turned on and off. This armor helps a little bit against HEAT based rounds that will detonate prematurely.
That’s it for this one! The new Jaguar EBRC will be joining high-ranked ground battles in the Spearhead major update, providing excellent light tank mobility and firepower. Until then, stay tuned to learn more about what’s coming next!
Please note that this vehicle’s characteristics may be changed before it is added to the game.