“SCORPION: GRIFFON Command Hub Achieves Certification”

The French Armament Delegation (DGA) has authorized the command post vehicle (EPC) variant of the GRIFFON platform. Simultaneously, the initial units are being submitted for validation by the DGA’s quality assurance division at the Roanne facility. Consequently, the first trio of GRIFFON EPCs has been handed over to the Army technical section (STAT), which will proceed with the practical assessment of this apparatus for its swift deployment within the regiments.

The temporary consortium GME (EBMR – Engins Blindés Multi-Rôles), consisting of Nexter, Arquus, and Thales, is fully engaged in the manufacturing of the first 20 series GRIFFON EPCs earmarked for verification tasks by the end of 2020. Ultimately, the SCORPION initiative plans for the procurement of 333 units of this variation, with half expected to be delivered by 2025. Notably, the SCORPION program seeks to enhance the Army’s combat capabilities, particularly by advancing command through innovative information technologies.

The GRIFFON EPC is designed to host a driver and a gunner in the front section, along with five soldiers in the rear compartment. Externally, the profile of the EPC remains consistent with that of the VTTFélin variant (troop transport vehicle). The only distinction lies in the weaponry, featuring the installation of a next-gen T2 remotely operated turret armed with a 7.62mm caliber on the roof. Internally, the GRIFFON EPC is completely outfitted for command post functionality, encompassing communication tools, large display screens, a whiteboard, and a printer.

This variant is crafted to accommodate advanced electronic systems for coordinated combat: the vetronics shared among SCORPION platforms, the CONTACT joint radio, the SCORPION Combat Information System (SICS), and the ANTARES optronic system offering the crew a full 360° perspective of the surroundings, as well as a gunfire location detector (SLA, or Acoustic Localization System). Additionally, the HVAC system is adaptable to all types of environments to ensure crew comfort and the efficient operation of onboard electronics.

With its remarkable protection and mobility features, the EPC variant of the GRIFFON allows for the swift establishment of a command post deep within operational zones. This enables the force commander to effectively conduct engagements or oversee the progress of actions at the regimental or brigade level. The introduction of the GRIFFON EPC complements the GRIFFON VTT Félin, aiming to project a joint task force (GTIA) into foreign operational theaters by 2021.

Stéphane Mayer expressed his enthusiasm, representing the GME formed by the trio of companies Arquus, Thales, and Nexter (of which he serves as Chairman and CEO), about reaching this significant milestone on schedule: “This qualification signifies a pivotal phase in the modernization of the French Army’s assets.”