Luxembourg has taken a major step in strengthening its land forces by finalizing a joint armored vehicle procurement program with Belgium, aimed at forming a new NATO-aligned reconnaissance battalion. Announced by the Luxembourg government in mid-December 2025, the agreement underscores a growing emphasis on shared European military capabilities and deeper cross-border force integration amid a deteriorating European security environment.
Under the deal, Luxembourg and Belgium will jointly acquire 54 French-made armored vehicles, consisting of 38 Jaguar EBRC reconnaissance combat vehicles and 16 Griffon VBMR multi-role platforms. Both systems originate from France’s Scorpion Army modernization initiative and are designed to operate in digitally networked, high-threat environments. The acquisition reflects NATO’s push for medium-weight, rapidly deployable forces capable of operating across the full spectrum of conflict.
The Jaguar EBRC provides the battalion with a potent reconnaissance and fire support capability, combining a 40mm cannon, anti-tank guided missiles, and advanced battlefield sensors on a mobile 6×6 chassis. Complementing it, the Griffon VBMR will serve in command, logistics, and combat support roles, offering modular protection and remote weapon stations while maintaining interoperability with allied forces. The vehicles will form the backbone of the Binational Luxembourg–Belgian Reconnaissance Battalion, scheduled to be operational by 2030, directly supporting NATO Defense Planning Process objectives and strengthening the Alliance’s collective deterrence posture.
