Belgium Confirms Acquisition of Nexter's CAESAR NG, GRIFFON MEPAC Systems

The Belgian Council of Ministers has officially sanctioned the procurement of 19 CAESAR new generation (NG) artillery systems and 24 GRIFFON MEPAC mortar systems from Nexter, a company under the KNDS joint venture, as part of ongoing efforts to upgrade and modernize the country's land forces.

The announcement was made by Nexter recently, highlighting the approval of the purchase that includes 19 additional CAESAR NGs, supplementing the 2022 agreement for 9 CAESAR NGs under the CaMo2 program, with deliveries slated for 2027.

The CAESAR NG is expected to feature notable improvements over its predecessor, including a new chassis, a more powerful 460 horsepower engine, a Level 2 armored cabin, enhanced fire control software, the BARAGE countermeasure system, and a new CONTACT radio station.

Simultaneously, the GRIFFON MEPAC systems are set to replace the MO-120-RT mortars, equipping two batteries from two battalions of the "MEPAC." These systems come equipped with the 2R2M 120mm semi-automatic mortar system, developed by Thales, allowing for flexible and effective mortar capabilities.

The 2R2M mortar system is mounted in the rear of the Griffon vehicle, with the ability to fire through power-operated roof hatches. When in a road position, the 120mm mortar system is safely stored inside the vehicle, and its turntable-mounted mortar can be traversed through 360°, with an elevation ranging from 40 to 85 degrees, powered hydraulically.