KNDS and AERIX SYSTEMS announced a strategic cooperation for the development and industrialization of the AXS-μ1 interceptor drone. The collaboration aims to integrate it into the TARGAS DSP10 system, complementing the counter-drone capabilities of KNDS’s TARGAS ecosystem.

KNDS is partnering with AERIX SYSTEMS to strengthen the capabilities of TARGAS (Tactical Advanced Response for Ground, Air and Surface threats), KNDS’s counter-drone ecosystem.

Within this ecosystem, the TARGAS DSP10 solution combines electronic warfare and physical interception capabilities. Designed to be readily deployable and integrated onto military vehicles, TARGAS DSP10 aims to give ground forces a scalable close-in protection capability tailored to their operational needs.

The system pairs Nuances Technologies’ Raptor 2, dedicated to electronic countermeasures against certain drones, with the AXS-μ1 interceptor drone developed by AERIX SYSTEMS.

This combination is designed to deliver a response tailored to aerial threats, bringing together jamming-based and kinetic neutralization means.

The AXS-μ1 interceptor drone, produced by AERIX SYSTEMS, is built to achieve physical neutralization through direct impact (“hit-to-kill”), fully autonomously. It is intended in particular to counter the growing threat posed by FPV (First Person View) drones, adding a new aerial interception capability to TARGAS.

Its integration will combine the system's electronic warfare capabilities with a physical interception solution, strengthening the range of neutralization means available.

Under the agreement signed by the two parties, KNDS will support the AXS-μ1 drone through its maturation phase, with production set to begin in 2027.

By combining KNDS’s expertise as an architect of complete mission solutions and its industrial capabilities with AERIX SYSTEMS's aerial robotics technologies, this cooperation will accelerate the development of a sovereign, scalable interception solution suited to the operational needs of ground forces.

Meantime, KNDS France also announced the delivery to the French Army, during summer 2026, of the first EBRC (Engin Blindé de Reconnaissance et de Combat) Jaguar armored vehicles at R3 standard. This milestone, confirmed on 18 September 2026 by the French Ministry of the Armed Forces, marks a further step forward for the SCORPION programme to modernise France’s land forces.

As of 18 September 2026, close to 25 EBRC Jaguar vehicles at R3 standard had been delivered to or retrofitted for the French Army. Deliveries and retrofits to this standard will continue through 2026.

This standard was certified “fit for service” by the French defence procurement agency (DGA) on 8 April 2026, before the French Army authorised its operational use on 20 July 2026.

The vehicle is designed and produced by the temporary consortium (Groupement Momentané d'Entreprises - GME) formed by KNDS France, Arquus and Thales. It has also been selected by Belgium and Luxembourg as part of the CaMo (Capacité Motorisée) programme, confirming the interest in this new-generation reconnaissance and combat capability. Several export campaigns are also under way, opening up new international development prospects for this benchmark solution.

The Jaguar R3 brings together the full set of technical and operational capabilities planned for this 25-tonne, 6x6 wheeled vehicle, which is set to succeed the AMX-10RC in reconnaissance and direct-combat missions.

The Jaguar’s digitised T40 turret, designed and developed by KNDS, combines a high-rate-of-fire 40 mm cannon with Akeron MP anti-tank missiles, giving it the ability to neutralise targets at both short and long range, up to 4,000 metres.

The capability leap enabled by its new-generation sensors and effectors, together with the ability to redesignate missiles in flight, represents a technological breakthrough that meets the current needs of the armed forces. The human-machine interface (HMI) has also evolved towards a more integrated, digital interface, making it possible to consolidate and present information from the sensors, fire control and the vehicle's various systems in a more intuitive way, helping the crew make decisions faster.

As industrial architect and systems integrator for the SCORPION programme, KNDS leads the design, production and in-service support of the Jaguar and Griffon vehicles for the French Army’s SCORPION programme, together with its partners Arquus and Thales, joined in a temporary consortium, and with the support of numerous suppliers and subcontractors.

The Jaguar combines the weapons system developed by KNDS, the common vetronics developed by Thales, and the mobility designed by Arquus, three complementary areas of expertise serving its operational capacilities. Arquus brings its expertise in military mobility to the Jaguar, with a mobility system designed to meet the tactical mobility requirements of this 25-tonnes 6x6 véhicle.

These first R3-standard deliveries go hand in hand with the ramp-up of the Jaguar fleet already in service: all vehicles delivered at R2 standard are to be upgraded to R3 standard by the end of 2027, in line with the objectives of the SCORPION programme.