“Success Unleashed: Nexter, Arquus, and Thales Celebrate the Historic Delivery of 123 GRIFFON and 22 JAGUAR for DGA 2023”
- The provisional enterprise consortium (Groupement Momentané d’Entreprises, GME) multi-functional armoured vehicle (engin blindé multi rôles, EBMR), comprising Nexter, a KNDS entity, Thales, and Arquus, provided, this year, 123 GRIFFON and 22 JAGUAR vehicles to the Directorate General of Armaments (Direction générale de l’armement, DGA), which is the French Defence Procurement Agency.
- GME EBMR consistently meets annual supply objectives.
Continual JAGUAR and GRIFFON deliveries and certifications
As stipulated in the 2019-2025 military programming legislation, Nexter, a KNDS entity, Thales, and Arquus successfully executed all GRIFFON and JAGUAR orders from the DGA scheduled for 2023. These initial supplies from 2019 have led to a total handover of 575 GRIFFON and 60 JAGUAR units.
In 2023, the EBMR consortium introduced the first “Sanitaire” (SAN) GRIFFONs for the French Army Health Service (Système de santé des armées, SSA). This variant, qualified in 2022, is set to be delivered to the armed forces in early 2024.
Moreover, on June 16, 2023, the DGA approved a VOA (“Véhicule d’Observation d’Artillerie”) version of the GRIFFON, and the 3rd Marine Artillery Regiment (3e RAMa) received its initial units. The GRIFFON VOA supplants the VAB OBS. Initially intended for integration within the ATLAS artillery fire management network, this vehicle features a retractable optronic observation mast equipped with advanced technology for surveillance, telemetry, aiming, and laser designation to direct artillery strikes. It also permits the integration of MURIN tactical surveillance radar.
SCORPION, a program to modernize the French Army
Alongside resources like SERVAL light VBMR vehicles, the JAGUAR armored reconnaissance and combat vehicle (EBRC), and the GRIFFON multi-role armored vehicle (VBMR) are integral to the SCORPION programme spearheaded by the DGA. They are designed to implement the SCORPION Combat Information System (SICS). The SICS facilitates collaborative combat operations among personnel through real-time communication across various units and battlefield digitization. By the conclusion of 2023, to evaluate and articulate these advanced combat capabilities, the 6th Light Armored Brigade (6e BLB) will form the inaugural SCORPION Joint Armored Brigade (BIA).
The JAGUAR is a 25-ton armored reconnaissance and combat vehicle (EBRC), outfitted with a 40mm telescoped ammunition cannon (CTA) and the MMP missile.
The JAGUAR stands out as a remarkable vehicle in various aspects:
- Its turret incorporates three cutting-edge weapon systems: the Nexter 40mm CTA gun, two MBDA medium-range missiles (MMP), and the T3 Hornet remotely operated turret;
- Its SCORPION vetronics, engineered by Thales, include next-generation optronics (IR/TV, missile launch detectors, laser warning systems, etc.) and onboard tactical training capabilities;
- Its modern Arquus chassis with six drive wheels, innovative suspension, and a 400hp, 25-ton engine provide exceptional tactical, operational, and strategic mobility.
The GRIFFON is a 24-ton multi-role armored vehicle. Its various configurations enable it to undertake a broad spectrum of missions: troop transport, command post, communication relays, artillery observation, and 120mm mortar (MEPAC). Deployed in the Sahel since 2021 by the ground forces, the GRIFFON exhibits acknowledged operational attributes, maintenance ease, and high mobility. Other SCORPION vehicles incorporate similar technologies, such as vetronics and Hornet remotely operated turrets.
