KNDS France Unveils the SERVAL Counter-UAV Variant

Equipped with the ARX®30, a remotely operated turret armed with a 30mm weapon, the SERVAL Counter-UAV (LAD / C-UAV) light armoured vehicle unveiled at Paris Air Show will join the French armed forces starting in 2028.

As part of the ‘Light Tactical Polyvalent Vehicle’ (VLTP) programme, the SERVAL C-UAV demonstrates the modularity and scalability of vehicles under the SCORPION programme. The contract awarded by the DGA also includes the ongoing development by KNDS France of a 30 mm Airburst munition.

In December 2024, as part of the high-end segment of the VLTP program, the French DGA ordered 530 SERVAL vehicles from the temporary business venture formed by KNDS France and Texelis. Among these, 24 SERVAL C-UAV vehicles will be delivered to the French army starting in 2028, providing users with a decisive counter-UAV capability. The French Military Programming Law (LPM) ultimately plans for the acquisition of 48 such systems. This version brings the total number of SERVAL variants to 23, alongside electronic warfare, medical, troop transport, VSHORAD, and command post variants. The strength of the SCORPION programme lies in its adaptability: in response to ever-changing and complex operational environments, KNDS France continues to innovate to offer its partners solutions tailored to modern, high-intensity conflicts—such as the Ukrainian theatre.

The SERVAL C-UAV features the high-elevation, high-rate-of-fire ARX®30 30mm cannon. Its radar, radiofrequency detection system, and ability to deploy Airburst munitions make the SERVAL C-UAV a key component in counter-UAV warfare. Given its weapon/ ammunition know-how, KNDS France presents a complete counter-UAV system, providing users with operational superiority against aerial threats. As part of this approach, the DGA contract also includes the development by KNDS France of a 30 mm Airburst munition.

The ARX®30’s 30mm weapon is integrated into a complete system comprising a 3D radar, omnidirectional RF detector, sighting system, turret, and dedicated 30mm Airburst munition. KNDS France thus offers a full-spectrum solution—from detection to neutralization—potentially adaptable across multiple platforms (land, air, and sea) to meet a wide range of operational needs.