The temporary company grouping (Groupement Momentané d'Entreprises, GME) multi-role armoured vehicle (engin blindé multi rôles, EBMR), including Nexter, a KNDS company, Thales and Arquus, delivered, this year, 123 GRIFFON and 22 JAGUAR vehicles to the Directorate General of Armaments (Direction générale de l’armement, DGA), the French Defence Procurement Agency.

As defined in the 2019-2025 military programming law, Nexter, a KNDS company, Thales and Arquus fulfilled all GRIFFON and JAGUAR DGA orders scheduled for 2023. These 2019 beginning supplies expended the global hand over to 575 GRIFFON and 60 JAGUAR.

In 2023, the EBMR company grouping introduced the first “Sanitaire” (SAN) GRIFFONs for the French Army Health Service (Système de Santé des Armées, SSA). This model, which was qualified in 2022, will be delivered to the Forces in early 2024.

Furthermore, on June 16, 2023, the DGA probated a VOA (“Véhicule d’Observation d’Artillerie”) version of the GRIFFON and the 3rd Marine Artillery Regiment (3e RAMa) welcomed its first examples. The GRIFFON VOA replaces the VAB OBS. Originally designed to be integrated into the ATLAS artillery fire management chain, this vehicle present a retractable optronic observation mast, equipped with innovative technology availing surveillance, telemetry, pointing and laser designation in order to target and to guide artillery fire. It allows in addition MURIN tactical surveillance radar incorporation.

SCORPION: A Program to Transform the French Army

With other resources as SERVAL light VBMR vehicles, the JAGUAR armored reconnaissance and combat vehicle (EBRC) and the GRIFFON armored multi-role vehicle (VBMR) take part in the SCORPION program led by the DGA. They execute by design the SCORPION combat information system (SICS). The SICS allows collaborative combat among soldiers thanks to real-time communication between different units and battlefield digitisation.

By the end of 2023, in order to test and articulate these new combat capabilities, the 6th Light Armored Brigade (6e BLB) will constitute the first SCORPION Joint Armored Brigade (BIA).

The JAGUAR is a 25-tonne armored reconnaissance and combat vehicle (EBRC), equipped with a 40mm telescoped ammunition cannon (CTA) and the MMP missile.

The JAGUAR is a unique vehicle in several ways:

• Its turret combines three state-of-the-art weapon systems: the Nexter 40mm CTA gun, two MBDA medium-range missiles (MMP) and the T3 Hornet remotely operated turret
• Its SCORPION vetronics, developed by Thales, include next-generation optronics (IR/TV, missile departure detectors, laser warning detectors, etc.) and on-board tactical training capability
• Its new-generation Arquus chassis, six driving wheels, innovative suspension and 400hp, 25-tonne, engine provide exceptional tactical, operational and strategic mobility

The GRIFFON is a 24-tonne multi-role armored vehicle. Its variations enable it to carry out a wide range of missions: troop transport, command post, communication relays, artillery observation and 120mm mortar (MEPAC). Deployed in the Sahel from 2021 by the land forces, the GRIFFON presents recognised operational qualities, maintenance facilities and mobility. Other SCORPION vehicles integrate similar devices, such as vetronics and Hornet remotely operated turrets. (Photo: EBRC JAGUAR © Nexter)