How the Serval LAD / C-UAV Will Revolutionize France’s Anti-Drone Warfare by 2028

Serval LAD KNDS

The French Army is taking decisive steps to future-proof its defenses. By 2028, France plans to deploy a new variant of its Serval light armored vehicle, specifically engineered to counter the growing threat of drones. This cutting-edge platform, known as the Serval C-UAV or LAD (Lutte Anti-Drone), represents a significant leap in the country’s counter-drone capabilities.

The Rise of the Drone Threat

Drones have evolved from niche reconnaissance tools to formidable battlefield assets. Their affordability, agility, and adaptability make them ideal for surveillance, precision strikes, and even swarm attacks. As adversaries increasingly exploit these capabilities, traditional air defense systems—designed for larger, faster aircraft—struggle to keep pace. Recognizing this shift, the French Ministry of Armed Forces has prioritized anti-drone innovation under its Military Programming Law (LPM) 2024–2030.

Enter the Serval LAD: A Tactical Game-Changer

At the heart of France’s new strategy is the Serval LAD, a specialized variant of the Serval light armored vehicle developed by KNDS France. This vehicle is part of the broader VLTP (Véhicule Léger Tactique Polyvalent) program and is expected to enter service starting in 2028. The initial order includes 24 units, with a target of 48 vehicles as outlined in the LPM.

What sets the Serval LAD apart is its integrated counter-UAV suite, anchored by the ARX30 remotely operated turret. This turret houses the 30M781 MPG gun—a variant of the 30 mm cannon used on the Tigre attack helicopter—offering high firepower and rapid engagement capabilities. With 360° coverage and a high elevation range, the ARX30 is optimized for neutralizing low-flying, fast-moving drones, especially in urban or rugged terrain.

Smart Ammunition and Sensor Fusion

One of the most innovative features of the Serval LAD is its use of programmable 30 mm airburst munitions. These rounds are designed to detonate at precise distances, creating a lethal fragmentation cloud that can destroy mini and micro UAVs mid-flight. This is a crucial advantage when dealing with drone swarms or evasive aerial targets.

Complementing the firepower is a sophisticated sensor suite that includes integrated 3D radar and omnidirectional radiofrequency (RF) detection. This allows the Serval LAD to detect, track, and engage threats autonomously—creating a seamless sensor-to-shooter loop. Such integration is a hallmark of the SCORPION program, which aims to digitize and network French ground forces for faster, more coordinated responses.

Complementary Systems and Strategic Integration

While the Serval LAD is a formidable asset, it is designed to work in concert with other French air defense systems. For instance, the Mistral missile system—deployed on platforms like the ATLAS RC and MPCV—offers longer-range engagement against larger aerial threats. However, it lacks the rapid-fire capability needed for close-in drone defense. Similarly, DSA (Défense Sol-Air) modules equipped with MANPADS or 20 mm autocannons provide point defense but are less effective against swarm tactics.

By integrating the Serval LAD into its force structure, the French Army is creating a layered defense ecosystem. This approach ensures that threats ranging from high-altitude aircraft to low-flying drones can be addressed with tailored responses.

A Broader Modernization Effort

The Serval LAD is just one piece of a broader modernization puzzle. In January 2025, France announced over €600 million in new air defense and counter-drone investments. This includes the development of 40 mm anti-aircraft munitions, naval self-defense systems like SIMBAD-RC, and additional Serval variants for ground-to-air defense.

These initiatives reflect a strategic pivot toward high-intensity conflict readiness. As the battlefield becomes increasingly digitized and contested, France is ensuring its forces are equipped not just to survive—but to dominate.

Challenges and Considerations in Implementation

As promising as the Serval LAD program is, its successful implementation will depend on several critical factors. First is the integration of new technologies into existing command-and-control structures. As part of the SCORPION program, Serval LADs must be interoperable with the SICS (Système d’Information du Combat Scorpion) battle network. Ensuring real-time data sharing among different units—infantry, artillery, armored—will be essential for leveraging the full capability of these anti-drone platforms.

Then there’s doctrinal adaptation. The introduction of Serval LADs requires updates to tactics, techniques, and procedures (TTPs) across the force. Units must be trained not only in operating the new hardware but also in identifying and responding to drone threats as part of combined arms operations. That means practicing joint drills, rehearsing urban defense scenarios, and understanding how to counter both lone UAVs and coordinated drone swarm attacks.

Also, maintenance and logistics can’t be overlooked. The LAD’s advanced sensor and turret systems demand a new level of technical support. Spare parts, specialized tools, and personnel training must be scaled in parallel to vehicle deployment.

France is not alone in ramping up anti-drone capabilities. From the U.S. Army’s Directed Energy Maneuver-Short Range Air Defense (DE M-SHORAD) to Germany’s Skyranger 30, and Turkey’s Aselsan-based systems, nations worldwide are aggressively modernizing their arsenals to counter UAVs. What sets the Serval LAD apart is its emphasis on mobility, modularity, and close-range response in environments where heavier systems may struggle.

By opting for a light armored chassis and a versatile gun-based solution instead of missile-centric platforms, France is tailoring its response to realistic operational conditions—think peacekeeping, urban combat, and hybrid warfare scenarios, where drone threats are unpredictable and often at close quarters.

The unveiling of the Serval LAD marks just the beginning. As drone warfare continues to evolve with autonomous systems, AI swarming tactics, and stealthy nano-drones entering the fray defensive platforms like the LAD must evolve too. There are already discussions within defense circles about equipping future variants with laser-based systems and jamming payloads, further expanding their toolkit.

Moreover, cyber resilience and electromagnetic spectrum dominance will become central themes. As drones rely on communication links, GPS, and sensor fusion, disrupting these channels—whether via kinetic or electronic means—will likely define the next frontier of anti-drone warfare.

General Specifications (Base Serval VBMR-L)

• Type: 4×4 Light Armored Vehicle (Multirole)

• Weight: Approx. 17 tonnes (combat-ready)

• Dimensions:

  • Length: 6.7 meters

  • Width: 2.5 meters

  • Height: 3.5 meters

• Crew: 2 (driver + gunner)

• Passenger Capacity: Up to 8 fully equipped soldiers

• Armor Protection: STANAG 4569 Level 4 (standard), with optional modular armor kits

• Engine: Militarized Cummins 6-cylinder inline diesel

• Power Output: 375 hp (280 kW)

• Transmission: Allison 3000 Series automatic gearbox

• Suspension: 4×4 wheeled drive

• Operational Range: 600 km

• Top Speed: 100 km/h

 Serval LAD-Specific Features

• Primary Armament: ARX30 Remote Weapon Station

  • Gun: 30M781 MPG 30 mm cannon (same caliber as Tigre helicopter)

  • Ammunition: Programmable airburst munitions for anti-drone use

  • Coverage: 360° rotation, high elevation for aerial targets

• Sensor Suite:

  • Integrated 3D radar

  • Omnidirectional RF detection system

  • Electro-optical targeting for day/night operations

• Combat System Integration:

  • Fully integrated with SCORPION’s SICS (Système d’Information du Combat Scorpion)

  • Real-time data sharing and networked targeting

• Counter-Drone Capabilities:

  • Detection, tracking, and engagement of mini and micro UAVs

  • Effective against swarm tactics and low-flying threats

This configuration makes the Serval LAD a highly mobile, close-range anti-drone platform tailored for modern hybrid warfare environments. It’s designed to complement longer-range systems like Mistral and provide rapid, autonomous response to aerial threats.