France bets on armoured vehicles to ensure deterrence
Procurement of Griffon and Jaguar is part of Scorpion programme. (Photo: DGA)
The French Army is betting on the acquisition and modernisation of armoured vehicles to ensure deterrence in multiple scenarios and avoid being in high-intensity conflicts. Currently, it is carrying out the Scorpion programme, which is intended to deliver around 4,500 new and upgraded platforms by 2034.
France remains intent on reinforcing its ground capabilities, not only given the Russian invasion of Ukraine but also in view of its experience of scalable expeditionary warfare during Operation Barkhane in Mali.
In particular, French military planners believe that the acquisition and upgrade of armoured vehicles can ensure deterrence in multiple scenarios and avoid high-intensity conflict.
During a webinar conducted by the US-based Center for a New American Security (CNAS), Gen Thierry Burkhard, French Chief of Defence Staff, said that the procurement of armoured vehicles is part of the future strategy of the French Armed Forces to maintain a global posture
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