France has given GIAT a contract to develop a new 8x8 armored fighting vehicle that will enter service in about 2008. This will be known as the EBRC (Engine Blinde a Roues de Combat, or Wheeled Armored Fighting System). The EBRC will be produced in a number of variants including recon and tank destroyer. It is designed for "early entry" forces as it is easier to transport. The French plan to replace their 192 Panhard ERC Sagaie 6x6 armored tank destroyers (90mm guns), 337 AMX10RC (105mm gun), and two battalions now equipped with AMX30 tanks.--Stephen V Cole