France Receives First Griffon MEPAC Armored Vehicle

The French General Directorate of Armaments (DGA) delivered the first MEPAC armored vehicle to the Army on December 19, 2024, as part of the Military Programming Law (LPM) 2024–2030.

The MEPAC (Mortar for Embedded Close Support) was handed over to the Satory detachment of the 8th RMAT (Equipment Regiment), responsible for maintaining Army equipment in operational condition. This program, part of the multi-role armored vehicle initiative, plans 54 units for France and 24 for Belgium under the CaMo (Motorized Capacity) partnership, with deliveries expected by 2028.

The delivery of the first MEPAC vehicle marks the beginning of an ambitious rollout schedule. Ten additional vehicles are set for delivery in 2025.

The MEPAC, based on the Griffon platform, is developed through a partnership between KNDS France, Thales, and Arquus. Thales provides the vehicle's key component, the 120 mm 2R2M semi-automatic mortar. Weighing 24.5 tons, it supports combined arms tactical groups in the contact zone, offering protection, mobility, and artillery support for a crew of four via its 120 mm mortar integrated into the ATLAS artillery chain for rapid, precise fire support.

The vehicle includes a remotely operated turret with 7.62 mm armament and is part of the French Army’s Scorpion program, featuring Scorpion vetronics and the SICS system for real-time battlefield coordination with other platforms like Jaguar and Leclerc XLR. Its collaborative combat network enhances operations for France and Belgium.

Historically, French artillery relied on 120 mm RT F1 mortars towed by VAB 4x4s, later replaced by 81 mm mortars in infantry support. The MEPAC modernizes artillery with automated firing and efficient coordination. It also features Arquus’s T2 remotely operated turret, adaptable for armaments up to a 40 mm grenade launcher.