Ireland’s military modernization is set to receive a historic boost with the purchase of approximately US$ 1.18 billion in armored vehicles and artillery systems from KNDS France.
The deal, revealed by the newspaper La Tribune Dimanche, includes the acquisition of the Jaguar, Griffon, Serval models, and the Caesar artillery system, marking the largest renewal of the country’s land forces in decades.
The package includes the EBRC Jaguar 6×6, which is expected to restore the reconnaissance and firepower capability lost after the retirement of light tanks in 2017. The Griffon will replace the current Piranha III as the main troop transport vehicle, offering advanced protection and a modular configuration. The Serval, in turn, will reinforce light units with high mobility and strategic air transport capability.
The possible incorporation of the 155 mm Caesar howitzer represents a structural change in Irish artillery, which has so far operated only 105 mm towed guns. The new platform will significantly increase the country’s range and responsiveness in defense scenarios and international missions.
The intergovernmental agreement with France provides for deliveries over several years and reinforces military cooperation between the two countries. In addition to modernizing its fleet, Dublin aims to expand its participation in European Union rapid response forces amid a worsening security situation on the continent.
Source: Militarnyi | Photo: X @aidefranceukr | This content was created with the help of AI and reviewed by the editorial team
🚨 🇫🇷🇮🇪 It is expected that Dublin will place an order with @KNDS_France for several hundred SCORPION armoured vehicles very soon.
Ireland is primarily interested in the EBRC Jaguar and VBMR-L Serval armoured vehicles, as well as the VBMR Griffon armoured personnel carrier and… https://t.co/BIcowEtBma pic.twitter.com/AdRARtVfyt
— French Aid to Ukraine 🇨🇵 🇺🇦 (@aidefranceukr) February 21, 2026
