Nexter and CMI Defence signed last week a cooperation agreement which is in the continuity of the intergovernmental agreement between France and Belgium concluded within the framework of their strategic partnership in military cooperation, as well as the appointment by the French government of Nexter group as winner of the “Motorized Capabilities” program (CaMo).

The agreement between Nexter and CMI defines how the two companies will cooperate in order to deliver to the Belgian Land Component, and then support and maintain, a fleet of 382 Multi-Role Armored Vehicles (VBMR) GRIFFON and 60 Reconnaissance and Combat Armored Vehicles (EBRC) JAGUAR.

Nexter and CMI have thus planned to conclude a subcontracting contract for assembly services in Belgium for the VBMR-GRIFFON and are also studying the assembly in Belgium of the turrets to equip the EBRC-JAGUAR. CMI would act as the final assembler of the VBMR-GRIFFON under the CaMo program, and as the 40 mm turret assembler of the EBRC-JAGUAR. The deliveries of the systems to the Belgian Land component are planned to extend from 2025 to 2030.

With regard to post-warranty support to the fleet, which is not currently included in the CaMo program, Nexter is committed to supporting CMI and, in particular, providing it with sufficient data and training to enable it to support the CaMo fleet in Belgium up to the NTI2 level.

Thierry Renaudin, President of CMI Defence: “CMI is satisfied to be able to contribute significantly to the CaMo program, which aims to provide the Belgian Land component with equipment that allows full interoperability with the French land forces. CMI is proud to be recognized as a partner of its national army to develop its operational capabilities. Our cooperation with Nexter is a good example of how European defense companies can jointly participate in the establishment of the Europe of Defense.”

Stéphane Mayer, Chairman and CEO of Nexter, “welcomed this new industrial cooperation at European level that provides the Belgian Land component with the best solutions suited to their needs, particularly for the support of their fleet. Nexter Group and CMI Defence bring all their know-how to the Belgian Land Component through this agreement which is part of the CaMo program.”

Nexter, the leading French land defense company and third European player in the ammunition sector is part of the KNDS Group. It is dedicated to meet the needs of the French land forces and of Nations on an international scale.

The scope of Nexter’s business includes as well the supply of weapon systems and ammunition for air and naval forces. Nexter also provides systems and protection solutions in the field of homeland security. The group continues to apply its international development policy with 58% of the order intake in 2017 intended for the export market.

In France, Nexter is fully committed to meeting the objectives of the SCORPION program, through the upgrade of the Leclerc tank and the development of the future VBMR-Griffon and EBRC-Jaguar vehicles within the temporary business venture between Nexter, Thales and Arquus, as well as the Lightweight VBMR-SERVAL.

Nexter’s range of products also includes ARAVIS®, TITUS® and VBCI armored vehicles, CAESAR®, TRAJAN® and 105LG1 artillery systems, smart ammunition (BONUS), many equipment, as well as customer service, support and revaluation.

Member of the bicentennial CMI Group, CMI Defence is the technological leader in multifunctional, high-effect turrets in the 25-120mm range for light and medium weight armored vehicles. A

Among the top 100 world defense companies, CMI Defence develops and integrates complete and innovative solutions: design, production, integration and upgrade of weapons systems, operational and tactical training, Agueris® simulation systems (virtual immersive, mobile, embedded and inter-connectable), through-life support and innovative functionalities. Marketed under the Cockerill® brand, CMI Defence weapons systems combine superior firepower and lightweight for high-mobility armored vehicles, guaranteeing performance and protection.