List of equipment of the French Army

Modern equipment of the French Army is a list of equipment currently in service with the French Army. Figures are provided by the Ministry of Armed Forces for 2021.[1][2]

Personal equipment

Uniforms

NameOriginTypePhotoNotes
Field uniforms
Camouflage Centre-Europe (CCE)  FranceCombat uniform
  • Standard camouflage pattern of the French Armed Forces
  • In May 2022, it was announced a new camouflage pattern, the Bariolage Multi-Environnement (BME), was being developed and that it would replace the CCE as the standard camouflage pattern. Delivery of the BME to French units expected to start in 2024
Camouflage Daguet  FranceCombat uniform Desert camouflage of the French Armed Forces
Camouflage Tundra  FranceCombat uniform
  • Snow camouflage of the French Armed Forces
  • Typically worn by the Alpine Hunters and other mountain units
COM FST-specific camouflage  France
 United States
Combat uniform
Various uniforms seen worn by operators of the French Army Special Forces Command's units.
Helmets
Casque SPECTRA (F2)  FranceCombat helmet
  • Entered service in 1993
  • Succeeded the Modèle 1978 helmet (F1) as the standard-issue helmet
  • Replaced by the FÉLIN helmet
  • As of 2021, the SPECTRA helmet is still occasionally seen equipping some soldiers during training or parades
Casque TC F NVG V2
Casque TC 3001/3002
 France
 United States
Combat helmet
  • Variants of the MICH and manufactured by MSA Gallet
  • TC F NVG V2 helmets seen used by some conventional units of the French army and TC 3001/3002 (pictured) seen used by special forces operators
  • Entered service in 2009 and 2010 respectively
  • Still occasionally seen used
Ops-Core helmet  United StatesCombat helmet Used by the Special Operations Command's units as well as by specialized conventional units such as the para commandos of the 11th Airborne Brigade's Parachute Commando Group (GCP) and the mountain commandos of the 27th Mountain Infantry Brigade's Mountain Commando Group (GCM)
Casque FÉLIN
Casque balistique F3.
 FranceCombat helmet
  • First delivered in 2010, the FÉLIN ballistic helmet is the SPECTRA helmet's successor. It is an integral component of the FÉLIN system.
  • The F3 helmet to be delivered from 2020 onwards and is an evolution of the FÉLIN. It will equip all army soldiers and meet the overall objective of renewing the armed forces' "small equipment" in accordance with the 2019-2025 Military Programming Law.
Ballistic vests
Gilet TIGRE  FranceBulletproof vest
  • Former standard-issue bulletproof vest of the French Armed Forces.
  • Some units still in service but mostly replaced by the SMB.
Structure Modulaire Balistique (SMB)  France
 Norway
Bulletproof vest
  • Standard-issue bulletproof vest of the French Armed Forces.
  • Designed by the Norwegian company NFM Group and manufactured by Plastimor, it's Lorient-based French subsidiary
  • First units delivered in 2017 and 60,000 in service as of March 2022
  • 5,900 SMB V2 units, an evolution of the SMB, have been delivered as of March 2022
COM FST-specific ballistic vests  FranceBulletproof vest Various bulletproof vests seen worn by the French Army Special Forces Command's units.
Boots
HAIX Centre Europe (HAIX Nepal Pro)  Germany
 France
Combat boots Standard combat boots of the French army
Meindl Desert Defence  GermanyCombat boots Hot climate combat boots of the French army

Optronic devices and observation systems

NameOriginTypePhotoNotes
Safran Vectronix Leica Vector  France
 Switzerland
Multifunctional optronic device
  • Binocular rangefinder with day optics, an integrated 3-dimensional 360° digital compass and a class 1 eye-safe laser rangefinder.
  • Allows infantrymen and forward observers to conduct long-range observation and target acquisition missions from 5 m to over 4 km, at both day and night.
  • Mostly replaced by the Safran Vector 21
  • Occasionally still seen used by French troops
Safran Vectronix Vector 21  France
 Switzerland
Multifunctional optronic device
  • Succeeded the Leica Vector in general service
  • The Vector 21 increases the range for distance measurements up to 12 km. It also has a 1,550 nm laser invisible to image intensification devices, providing an added level of security.
Safran Vectronix JIM LR  France
 Switzerland
Multifunctional optronic device
  • Long-range, multifunctional, infrared binoculars
  • Equips conventional units
  • Provides optimal day and night vision up to 10 km for threat detection, target identification and intelligence gathering on all terrains and in all weather conditions.
Safran Vectronix JIM Compact  France
 Switzerland
Multifunctional optronic device
  • Lightweight, multifunctional, long-range infrared binoculars
  • Equips the Special Operations Command's units as well as specialized conventional units such as the Parachute Commando Group (GCP) and Mountain Commando Group (GCM)
  • Allows operators to carry out missions of surveillance and geolocation of targets up to 12 km and is usable even in the most extreme environments. It notably combines advanced capabilities, such as See-Spot, low-light positive identification, transmission of information and filled-in images, channel fusion, and new functionalities dedicated to long-range fire, air support and artillery.
Safran Vectronix Moskito TI  France
 Switzerland
Multifunctional optronic device
  • Multifunctional stealth binoculars
  • Used by the Special Operations Command's units, the Parachute Commando Group and Mountain Commando Group
  • Offers full situational awareness 24 hours a day, notably providing distance measurement and geolocation of targets in just a few seconds up to 10 km, day and night. Safran claims it is the best-in-class in terms of both recognition capability and functionality.
Thales OB70 Lucie  FranceNight vision device
  • In service since the mid-1990s
  • Being replaced by the Thales O-NYX (in service since 2020) and Thales BI-NYX (contract awarded to Thales in December 2020 with delivery expected to begin in 2022)
Thales JVN O-NYX  FranceNight vision device
  • Successor of the Thales OB70 Lucie and meant to equip dismounted French units
  • Entered service in 2020
  • 10,000 units out of 15,000 ordered were delivered as of February 2023. An additional batch of 4,000 O-NYX was ordered the same month, with delivery of all 19,000 units expected by 2025.
Thales JVN Bonie HP (High Performance)  FranceNight vision device
Equips the Special Operations Command's units, the Parachute Commando Group and Mountain Commando Group since 2019

Special equipment

NameOriginTypePhotoNotes
FÉLIN system  FranceIntegrated combat technology
  • Delivered between 2010 and 2015
  • New updated version of the FÉLIN system in 2016
  • The total cost of the program for 18,552 systems issued to 18 regiments was estimated to be €1.07 billion (FY2016)
  • 23,065 systems in service as of 2021

Infantry equipment

Pistols

NameOriginTypeCartridgePhotoNotes
MAC 50  FranceSemi-automatic pistol9×19mm Parabellum
  • In service since 1953
  • Being replaced by the Glock 17 Gen 5 FR since 2020
PAMAS G1  FranceSemi-automatic pistol9×19mm Parabellum
  • French-manufactured variant of the Beretta 92
  • Entered service with the national gendarmerie in 1989, with the Air Force in 1992, and with the Army and Navy in 1999
  • 97,502 units in service in 2002[3]
  • Also being replaced by the Glock 17 Gen 5 FR since 2020
HK USP Compact Tactical  GermanySemi-automatic pistol.45 ACP Seen used by the Special Operations Command's units and some conventional units such as army engineer divers
Glock 17  AustriaSemi-automatic pistol9×19mm Parabellum
  • In January 2020, it was announced the Glock 17 Gen 5 FR, a custom-made fifth generation model of the Glock 17 ("FR" standing for "France"), had been selected to be the new standard-issue pistol of the French Armed Forces, replacing the MAC 50 and PAMAS G1. 74,596 units were ordered with 80% for the French Army.
  • Full delivery of the order was completed in October 2022, with 74,600 units in total received.
  • The Glock 17 was already in service with some French units before its selection to equip regular units. It was for example equipping Special Operations Command's units for years. It was also already used by some specialized units of the conventional forces such as the Parachute Commando Group, the Mountain Commando Group and army engineer divers (the Glock 17M specifically in the case of the latter).

Submachine guns

NameOriginTypeCartridgePhotoNotes
HK MP5 A5
HK MP5 SD3
 West Germany
 Germany
Submachine gun9×19mm Parabellum Used by the Special Operations Command's units
HK MP7 A1
HK MP7 A2
 GermanySubmachine gun4.6×30mm Used by the Special Operations Command's units
FN P90  BelgiumSubmachine gunFN 5.7×28mm Used by the Special Operations Command's units

Assault rifles

NameOriginTypeCartridgePhotoNotes
FAMAS F1  FranceAssault rifle5.56×45mm NATO
HK416 F
HK416 D14.5RS
HK416 A5
 GermanyAssault rifle5.56×45mm NATO

  • In 2017, the HK416 F, a custom-made model of the HK416 ("F" standing for "France"), was selected to replace the FAMAS as the standard-issue rifle of the French Armed Forces. The Aimpoint CompM5 was selected the following year to be the standard-issue sight for the rifle. 117,000 HK416 F have been ordered and 70,340 units have been delivered as of March 2023.
  • The HK416 was already in service with the Special Operations Command's units since 2007, a decade before its selection to equip conventional forces. As of 2021, it still is the most commonly used assault rifle by French special forces operators.
FN SCAR-L  BelgiumAssault rifle5.56×45mm NATO

Used by the Special Operations Command's units and the Parachute Commando Group
SIG MCX VIRTUS  United StatesAssault rifle5.56×45mm NATO
.300 AAC Blackout
Used by the Special Operations Command's units and the Mountain Commando Group
SIG SG 553  SwitzerlandAssault rifle5.56×45mm NATO Used by the Special Operations Command's units and conventional diving units
M16A2
Colt Model 727
 United StatesAssault rifle5.56×45mm NATO
  • Still listed by the French army among the weapons in service with the 1er RPIMa as late as 2009 and generally seen used in tandem with the M203 grenade launcher. It is unknown if the rifle is still in use by the 1er RPIMa.
  • Still used to train troops in the 51st Infantry Regiment as of 2021
AK-47  Soviet Union
 Poland
Assault rifle7.62×39mm
  • Procured from Poland
  • Still used to train troops in the 51st Infantry Regiment as of 2021

Sniper and anti-materiel rifles

NameOriginTypeCartridgePhotoNotes
FN SCAR-H PR  BelgiumDesignated marksman rifle
Sniper rifle
7.62×51mm NATO
  • Selected in 2019 to replace the FR F2
  • The full delivery of the 2,620 rifles, 1,096 infrared optronic modules and 1,766 light intensification optronic modules ordered was completed in February 2023.
HK 417  GermanyBattle rifle
Designated marksman rifle
7.62×51mm NATO Used by the Special Operations Command's units and conventional troops
PGM Ultima Ratio  FranceSniper rifle7.62×51mm NATO Used by the Special Operations Command's units
Sako TRG-42  FinlandSniper rifle.300 Winchester Magnum
.338 Lapua Magnum
Used by the Special Operations Command's units and some conventional units
Cadex CDX-40 Shadow (Elsa)  CanadaSniper rifle.408 CT Used by the Special Operations Command's units
PGM Hécate II  FranceAnti-materiel rifle.50 BMG Used by the Special Operations Command's units and conventional units
Barrett M107  United StatesAnti-materiel rifle.50 BMG Used by the Special Operations Command's units

Machine guns

NameOriginTypeCartridgePhotoNotes
FN Minimi Para  BelgiumLight machine gun5.56×45mm NATO

Widely used in the French Armed Forces
FN Evolys  BelgiumLight machine gun5.56×45mm NATO
7.62×51mm NATO
  • Delivered in 2022
  • Used by the Special Operations Command's units
ANF1  FranceGeneral purpose machine gun7.62×51mm NATO
  • Entered service in 1952
  • Being replaced by the FN MAG
FN MAG 58  BelgiumGeneral purpose machine gun7.62×51mm NATO
  • Selected in 2010 to replace the ANF1
  • 10,881 units ordered in 2011
M2 Browning  United StatesHeavy machine gun.50 BMG

Used by the Special Operations Command's units and conventional forces
M134 Minigun  United StatesRotary medium machine gun7.62×51mm NATO

Used by the Special Operations Command's units

Shotguns

NameOriginTypeCartridgePhotoNotes
Benelli M4 Super 90  ItalySemi-automatic shotgun12-gauge Used by the Special Operations Command's units and some conventional units
Benelli Supernova Tactical  ItalyPump-action shotgun12-gauge Selected the Benelli Supernova Tactical in 2022 as the new service shotgun.
Mossberg 500  United StatesPump-action shotgun12-gauge Used by the Special Operations Command's units as well as by conventional troops stationed in French Guiana.
Remington Model 870  United StatesPump-action shotgun12-gauge Used by conventional troops stationed in French Guiana.

Grenade launchers

NameOriginTypeCaliberPhotoNotes
M203 grenade launcher  United StatesGrenade launcher40mm grenade Seen used by 1er RPIMa operators in tandem with the M16 assault rifle in the early 2000s. It is unknown if it is still in service.
Heckler & Koch AG36  GermanyGrenade launcher40mm grenade
  • In service in limited numbers since 2014
  • 10,767 units ordered in September 2016.
Heckler & Koch 269 F  GermanyGrenade launcher40mm grenade

The HK269 is the result of the development of the 40mm x 46 low velocity M320 GLM with the ability to open the barrel to the left or right. It can be used under the HK416 F or as a stand-alone weapon.
Milkor MGL  South Africa
 South Africa
Grenade launcher40mm grenade

Used by the Special Operations Command's units
Heckler & Koch GMG  GermanyGrenade machine gun40mm grenade Used by the Special Operations Command's units

Portable anti-material weapons

NameOriginTypeCaliberPhotoNotes
AT4 CS  SwedenRecoilless anti-tank weapon84mm
  • 2 AT4 CS per infantry squad
  • The AT4 CS equips each of the grenadiers-voltigeurs of the 300 Meter fireteam. Work in progress concerns the acquisition of a night firing capability by 2020.
  • The F2 standard will replace both the Eryx and the AT4 CS (F1) in French service. Delivery expected to begin in 2022.
MILAN  France
 West Germany
Anti-tank guided missile system115mm
  • 343 firing posts in service as of 2021
  • Being replaced by the Akeron MP
  • Unknown number of firing posts and missiles donated to Ukraine in 2022
Eryx  FranceAnti-tank guided missile system136mm
  • 700 firing posts and 12,000 missiles delivered
  • 630 firing posts in service as of 2021
  • Will be succeeded by the AT4 F2
FGM-148 Javelin  United StatesFire-and-forget anti-tank guided missile system127mm
  • 76 launchers and 260 missiles delivered in 2011
  • Removed from the inventory in 2021 and mothballed pending a decision by the DGA
  • Some or all were donated to Ukraine in 2022
  • Replaced by the Akeron MP
Akeron MP  FranceFifth generation anti-tank guided missile system140mm
  • Successor of the MILAN and US-made Javelin systems in French service
  • 400 firing posts and 2,850 missiles have been ordered as of 2017
  • First units delivered in 2017
  • 287 firing posts in service as of 2021

Vehicles

Armoured vehicles

NameOriginTypeNumberPhotoNotes
Tanks
AMX Leclerc  FranceMain battle tank215
  • Total - 406 (215 In service & 191 In storage).
  • 200 will be upgraded to the XLR-standard.
Engineering / Recovery and repair
Engin Blindé du Génie  FranceArmoured engineering vehicle38
  • Capable of launching demolition grenades for destroying casemates, dropping 20 anti-tank mines, equipped with an hydraulic winch, a straight shovel and a log grapple.
  • 42 units in service as of 2023
SDZ - Zone mine clearance system  FranceChaser remotely operated / Mine clearance vehicle10
  • System for opening mined routes
  • 10 ordered and delivered from 2017
Leclerc DCL  FranceArmoured recovery vehicle17
  • 20 delivered
  • 18 in service as of 2021
  • They will be upgraded to the XLR-standard
AMX-30D  FranceArmoured recovery vehicle27
  • First prototype produced and delivered in 1971
  • First of a pre-series of five vehicles delivered in 1973 and 100 units ordered the same year, with production beginning in 1975
  • 28 still in service as of 2022
Wheeled armoured fighting vehicles
VBCI  France622
  • The full delivery of the 520 VCI and 110 VPC ordered (including their respective 32T variants) was fulfilled in 2018
  • 628 units in service as of 2021
VAB  Franceε1,800


  • 4,000 units delivered to the French Armed Forces in nearly 30 variants and sub-variants since the VAB's introduction
  • Will be gradually replaced by the VBMR Griffon and VBMR-L Serval (from 2018 and 2022 onwards respectively)
  • 2557 (including the 57 VAB OBS variant mentioned in the "Artillery and air defense" section) in active service with the French army as of 2021
  • A 'significant' amount of VAB donated to Ukraine in 2022
VBMR Griffon  France587
  • Successor of the VAB
  • 1,872 units on order under the Scorpion program
  • 936 units to be delivered by 2025
  • Full delivery by 2030
  • 575 units delivered as of December 2023
VBMR-L Serval  France208 (2023)
  • Will primarily equip the 11th Airborne Brigade and the 27th Mountain Infantry Brigade.
  • 978 units are on order under the Scorpion program. The contract was awarded in February 2018 and included funding for 489 vehicles to be delivered by 2025, reaching the planned 978 by 2030.
  • 1,060 additional Serval VLTP P segment haut (multi-purpose light tactical vehicles) will be purchased by 2033.
  • 208 units delivered as of March 2024
AMX 10 RC  FranceArmoured reconnaissance vehicle
Wheeled tank destroyer
Light tank
210
  • Will be gradually replaced by the EBRC Jaguar from 2021 onwards
  • 40 were given to Ukraine in March 2023.
EBRC Jaguar  FranceArmoured reconnaissance vehicle62
  • Successor of the AMX 10 RC, ERC 90 Sagaie and VAB Mephisto
  • 300 units were ordered under the Scorpion program and will be delivered from 2021 onwards
  • 60 delivered as of 2023
EBRC Kiosque  FranceEBRC Jaguar Driver Training Vehicle2 (2023)
  • Ordered and delivered from 2022
  • Used for ABC training and practice on EBRC Jaguar
Buffalo MRAP  United StatesMine-Resistant Ambush Protected vehicle5
  • Armored vehicle equipped with a remote manipulator arm
  • 5 units were ordered for the Afghanistan war.
  • Replaced by the Nexter Aravis, a French developed MRAP, but still in service.
Nexter Aravis  France
 Germany
Infantry mobility vehicle / Mine-Resistant Ambush Protected20
VBL  FranceArmoured car1,418
  • 730 of them are being upgraded to the Ultima-standard with a new engine, new transmission, strengthened suspension and additional armour
  • Will be succeeded by the Véhicule Blindé d’Aide à l’Engagement (VBAE)
PVP  FranceArmoured car1,149
Tracked articulated vehicles
Véhicule à Haute Mobilité (VHM)
Véhicule Articulé Chenillé (VAC)
VAC NewGen or VAC 270
 Sweden /  United Kingdom  FranceArmoured personnel carrier87 ( 47 / 34 / 6 )
  • The Véhicule à Haute Mobilité (High Mobility Vehicle) or VHM is the term used within the French Army to designate the Bandvagn 210 Mk II, which is derived from the Bv 206. It is a tracked, armoured, articulated, amphibious and air-transportable vehicle weighing 13 tons. First ordered in December 2009, there are 53 units in service as of 2017.
  • The Véhicule Articulé Chenillé (Tracked Articulated Vehicle) or VAC designates the Bv 206 and Bv 206S in French service. 50 VAC (Bv 206) were procured in the 1990s and some were upgraded to the Bv 206S standard for service in Afghanistan. They are being phased out and replaced with the VHM since 2011.

Artillery and air defence

NameOriginVariantNumberPhotoNotes
Self-propelled artillery
AMX 30 AuF1  France155 mm self-propelled howitzer32
  • 273 units delivered
  • 32 in active service as of 2021
CAESAR  France155 mm wheeled self-propelled howitzer64
  • Delivered from 2008 onwards
  • 76 units in service as of March 2022
  • 18 units donated to Ukraine by the army
  • 12 units transferred to Ukraine by Nexter industries
  • 6 additional units delivered to the army by Nexter industries as of November 2023
  • The CAESAR Nouvelle Génération (CAESAR New Generation) or CAESAR NG is being developed by Nexter. The contract was awarded in February 2022 by the DGA.
CAESAR NG  France155 mm wheeled self-propelled howitzer0
  • Updated version of the Caesar will be heavier, more mobile (better engine) and better protected.
  • Will be delivered from 2026 onwards
  • 33 units planned to be in service as of June 2026, 109 in June 2030
Artillery observation
VAB VOA  FranceArmoured artillery observation vehicle40 Will be replaced by the EPC/VOA variant of the VBMR Griffon
Griffon VOA  FranceArmoured artillery observation vehicle11
Rocket artillery
LRU MLRS  United States
 France
227mm self-propelled multiple rocket launcher9
  • 57 M270 MLRS (called "Lance-Roquettes Multiple" or "LRM" in French service) were delivered in the early 1990s.
  • 55 in service in 2007
  • All were withdrawn from service by France in accordance with the 2008 Convention on Cluster Munitions.
  • In 2014, 13 of those LRM were converted into the "Lance-Roquettes Unitaire" (LRU), which is a European variant of the upgraded M270A1. Those 13 remain in active service.
  • 2 were given to Ukraine.
Mortars
MO 120 RT F1  France120 mm mortar132 132 in service as of 2021
Mo 81 LLR F1  France81 mm mortar168 2 units per infantry company
M6 mortar  Austria60 mm light mortar120
  • Selected in 2020 as the new 60 mm mortar
  • Contract awarded on 21 June that year
  • 120 M6 C-640 Mk1 mortars, 6,500 HE shells, 2,000 ILL-VIS shells, 2,300 ILL-IR shells, 2,500 smoke shells, 4,700 training shells, as well as 50 booster bipods and associated aiming devices to be delivered over the 45-month duration of the contract
LGI Mle F1  FranceMortar, 51mm grenade
  • 1 LGI per infantry squad
  • Man-portable, easily carried and operated by a single soldier, it equips one of the two grenadiers-voltigeurs of the 600 Meter fireteam in an infantry squad
  • Ammunition include high explosive projectiles for personnel neutralization and material destruction as well as smoke, blinding and flare bombs
  • Will be succeeded by the upcoming Fly-K Mk2 LGI developed by Cathyor.
Air defence
Mistral  FranceShort-range surface-to-air missile system196
  • 196 Mistral firing stations in service as of 2021
  • Unknown number of Mistral MANPADS donated to Ukraine in 2022
NEROD F5-5  FrancePortable anti-drone weaponUnknown The NEROD F5 is a microwave jammer capable of disrupting and neutralizing all communication protocols used by drones. It neutralizes:
  • the usual or improvised mini and micro drones by acting simultaneously on 4 remote control frequencies among 5 available
  • the satellite navigation system of the targeted drone.

Engineering

NameOriginVariantNumberPhotoNotes
Unarmoured engineering vehicles
TNA  FranceAirborne leveling tractor6[4]
MFRD  FranceRapid destruction drilling truck122
EGAME  FranceBulldozer35
MPG  FranceLoader?
UNAC 20TRR  FranceRoad–rail excavator2
Liebherr LTM 1050–3.1  GermanyMobile crane50
SOUVIM  South AfricaInterim Vehicle Mounted Mine Detector8
Scania P340  SwedenDump truck161[5]
Caterpillar D6  United StatesBulldozer40
EGRAP  United KingdomBackhoe loader92
Bridging vehicles/Military Ferries
EFA  FranceFerry/Mobile bridge20
PFM  FranceMobile bridge70 (2013)
SPRAT  FranceModular assault bridge10
Vedette de pontage F2  FranceBridging speedboat8
Robots
MINIROGEN (ECA COBRA MK2)  FranceMulti-function military robot30
  • Used for mine clearing, chemical detection and reconnaissance
  • 30 ordered
  • Delivery began in 2012
ECA UGV IGUANA  FranceMine clearing robot1543 units to be delivered until 2024
iRobot Packbot 510  United StatesMine clearing robot15

Logistics

NameOriginVariantNumberPhotoNotes
TRM 10000  FranceTruck1,322
TRM 700–100  FranceTruck116
TRM 2000  FranceTruck2,225
Renault GBC 180  FranceTruck5,322
Renault Kerax  FranceTruck420
Porteur polyvalent terrestre (PPT)  France
 Italy
  • PPLOG: Logistic vehicle
  • PPLD: Recovery vehicle
900 1600 units on order
Vehicle porte conteneurs maritimes (VPCM)  France
 United Kingdom
8x8 container carrier12
Tanker trucks
Camion citerne polyvalent (CCP10)  France
 Sweden
6x6 fuel tanker truck461
Camion Ravitailleur Pétrolier de l’Avant à Capacité Étendue (CaRaPACE)  France
 Sweden
Armoured fuel tanker truck34
Recovery vehicles
Camion lourd de depannage routier (CLDR)  France8x4 recovery vehicle30

Unarmoured vehicles

NameOriginVariantNumberPhotoNotes
Unarmoured vehicles
RIDER (Fardier)  FranceLight utility vehicle
  • 300 units ordered, alongside 172 trailers
  • 8 RIDER delivered as of December 2022
VLRA  FranceLight utility vehicle The VLRA "Pamela" configuration (pictured) is a mobile platform equipped with a Mistral firing station
Panhard VPS  FranceLight utility vehicle51
  • Delivered between 2006 and 2008
  • Used by the Special Operation Command's units
  • Will be replaced by 241 Véhicules Légers des Forces Spéciales (VLFS) from 2020 onwards
Arquus AREG VLFS  FranceLight utility vehicleSuccessor of the Panhard VPS
Renault Kangoo  FranceLight utility vehicle460[6] Used by counter-terrorism units
VMA  FranceAirport crash tender Used by the French Army Light Aviation.[7]
Peugeot P4  Germany
 France
Light utility vehicle2,500
  • MB G-Class chassis with French engine
  • 13,500 units delivered between 1982 and 1992
  • 600 withdrawn from service every year
  • Being replaced by VT4.
T4 VLTP NP  Japan
 France
Light utility vehicle500[8]
  • Based on the five-door VDJ76 Toyota Land Cruisers procured from French coach builders Technamm.[9]
  • Delivery of 500 units until the end of May 2018
Arquus Trapper VT4  France
 United States
Light utility vehicle4, 200
  • VLTP-NP based on the Ford Everest
  • Militarized by ACMAT and sold under the Arquus brand
  • 4380 units planned
  • Trapper carries a 1-ton payload
  • Trigger variant, with a slightly larger interior and carrying a 1.3 ton payload, being developed by ACMAT[10]
Ford Ranger  United StatesLight utility vehicle1,000[11] Introduced as an urgent operational requirement to replace the Peugeot P4.
Land Rover Defender  United KingdomLight utility vehicle550[12]
Quad Polaris  United StatesAll-terrain vehicle348
  • Used by French special forces
  • 300 Polaris Sportsman 700
  • 48 Polaris MV 850

Aircraft

AircraftOriginTypeQuantityPhotoNotes
Fixed-wing aircraft
Pilatus PC-6  SwitzerlandTransport and airdrop5
SOCATA TBM  FranceVIP transport and utility8
Helicopters
Eurocopter Tiger HAP/HAD  EuropeAttack helicopter67 67 in service as of 2023
NHIndustries NH90  EuropeUtility helicopter58 58 in service in January 2023
Aérospatiale Puma  FranceUtility helicopter32
  • 32 in service as of 2023
  • Being replaced by the NH90
Eurocopter Cougar  FranceUtility helicopter26
  • 26 in service as of 2023
  • Being replaced by the NH90
Eurocopter Caracal  FranceCSAR/SOF helicopter8 8 in service as of 2023
Aérospatiale Gazelle  FranceReconnaissance helicopter87 87 in service as of 2023
Eurocopter Fennec  FranceLight surveillance helicopter18 18 in service as of 2023
Colibri  EuropeTraining helicopter36 36 in service as of 2023
UAVs
Safran Patroller  FranceISTAR
  • 5 systems (28 drones) planned.
  • 1 system (5 drones) delivered as of December 2023
  • Entering service operational service in 2024
EADS DRAC  FranceReconnaissance38[13]
  • 38 systems in service in 2017
  • Will be replaced by the Thales Spy'Ranger from 2019
Thales Spy'Ranger  FranceReconnaissance210
  • 70 systems (201 drones) in service as of 2023
ECA IT180 DroGen  FranceReconnaissance126 systems (consisting of 2 drones each) in service as of 2021
Novadem NX70  FranceReconnaissance5427 systems (54 drones) delivered in September 2019
Black Hornet Nano 3  United StatesReconnaissance400
  • 400 drones as of 2021
  • Some were given to allies

References