Ireland to Make Record €1 Billion Armored Vehicle Purchase from KNDS France

Ireland is preparing to purchase French armored vehicles and artillery from KNDS France.

According to La Tribune Dimanche, Ireland is considering the Jaguar, Serval, Griffon, and Caesar vehicles to upgrade its land forces. These vehicles will replace outdated equipment and significantly improve the army’s mobility and firepower.

France and Ireland are expected to sign an intergovernmental agreement, with the total value of the contract estimated at over €1 billion. The delivery of the vehicles will take place over several years.

Currently, Ireland’s land forces rely on the Mowag Piranha IIIH 8×8 armored personnel carrier. Although the modernization of 80 units of this vehicle is expected to finish by mid-2026, the Irish military has acknowledged that this fleet is insufficient for modern peacekeeping missions and national defense.

Initially, the Armoured Fleet Replacement Project, valued between €600 and €800 million, planned to purchase 100 vehicles. However, recent updates suggest that the procurement volume will be significantly expanded due to the worsening security situation.

The most technologically complex element of the purchase is the EBRC Jaguar – a 6×6 combat reconnaissance vehicle. After the retirement of the FV101 Scorpion light tanks in 2017, the Irish Cavalry Corps lost a significant portion of its firepower and active reconnaissance capability. The Jaguar is set to fill this gap.

The Griffon 6×6 will replace the Piranha III as the primary infantry transport vehicle. Weighing around 24.5 tons, it provides protection at STANAG Level 4, which is critical for crew survival in modern conflict conditions. Its modular design allows the Griffon to be used as a command post vehicle, an ambulance, or a platform for the 120 mm MEPAC mortar.

On the other hand, the Serval 4×4, weighing 15-17 tons, is designed for light infantry brigades and support units. It will replace the fleet of RG-32M light tactical armored vehicles, which are reaching the end of their service life. The Serval is distinguished by its high mobility and ability to be quickly deployed by A400M aircraft, aligning with Ireland’s ambitions to participate in EU rapid response forces.

One of the most unexpected aspects of the La Tribune report was the inclusion of Caesar self-propelled artillery systems in the procurement package. For decades, the Irish artillery only had 105 mm towed howitzers in service. The introduction of the 155 mm Caesar howitzer will radically transform the country’s defense capabilities.

The choice of KNDS France is not accidental and reflects a broader trend of growing Franco-Irish military-technical cooperation. In December 2025, the Irish government officially approved negotiations with France regarding the purchase of military radar systems under a Government-to-Government (G2G) agreement.

This approach allows Ireland to avoid lengthy tender procedures and gain access to the expertise and logistical network of France’s Direction générale de l’Armement (DGA).