French Jaguar Armored Vehicle to Get KNDS 40mm Telescoped Ammunition

The French Ministry of Armed Forces has announced a €150 million agreement with defense manufacturer KNDS to supply 40mm telescoped ammunition over the next five years.

The contract, signed by the French Armaments Agency (DGA), was made public on June 16, 2025.

Deliveries under the agreement will begin in 2026, with the first batch including approximately 25,000 rounds. The ammunition will support both the French Army’s Jaguar armored reconnaissance vehicles and the French Navy’s RapidFire turret systems. Annual shipments are expected to continue throughout the contract period.

The DGA stated that the contract ensures long-term production and supply of the specialized ammunition, which features a telescoped design. This type of munition encases the projectile within its cartridge, allowing more rounds to be stored in a smaller space. The design reduces the size of the vehicle’s turret while increasing onboard ammunition capacity.

The ammunition is already in service and has been adopted for use in France's new generation of ground and naval combat platforms. On land, it boosts the Jaguar’s firepower without compromising space. At sea, the RapidFire system uses the compact rounds to deliver short-range air and surface defense.

To support the contract, the DGA has qualified multiple new suppliers across France, including facilities in Haute-Savoie, Hautes-Pyrénées, Cher, and Manche. In addition, the program has established a dual supply chain with the United Kingdom to strengthen industrial cooperation and reduce risk of future shortages.