First French-made Griffon Armored Vehicles to Belgium in July

KNDS France announced that the assembly of Griffon armored vehicles for Belgium under the CaMo (Capacité Motorisée) program began at the Mol Cy site in early 2025, with the first deliveries planned for July.

The Jaguar reconnaissance vehicles are expected to be delivered by the end of 2026.

The CaMo program, a binational agreement between France and Belgium, aims to standardize military mobility and operational interoperability. Established in 2019, it involves the delivery of 382 Griffon vehicles, 60 Jaguar vehicles, and nine Caesar 155mm self-propelled howitzers. The agreement includes joint training exercises and the integration of the Scorpion Combat Information System (SICS) to enhance real-time battlefield coordination.

The Mol Cy facility will assemble, paint, and test the Griffon vehicles before delivery to the Belgian Land Component. The first Griffon was scheduled for assembly in January 2025, with operational use planned from 2026 to 2031. At full capacity, the plant can produce up to nine vehicles per month. Base components are supplied by KNDS France, while Belgian-produced FN Herstal remote weapon stations and Thales electronic systems are integrated at Staden.

Belgium’s Griffon fleet will include various configurations, such as the Griffon MEPAC with a 120mm mortar and the Griffon SAN for medical evacuation. The Griffon Génie, designed for combat engineering and mobility support, will feature specialized equipment for tasks like mine clearance and rapid deployment.

In 2024, 151 Griffon vehicles and 35 Jaguar vehicles were delivered. The Jaguar is now qualified to the R2 standard, enabling mobile firing with its 40mm digital turret from KNDS France. An upgraded R3 standard is expected in 2025, adding capabilities like missile firing with in-flight redesignation and airburst munitions.

The Griffon, also known as the VBMR (Véhicule Blindé Multi-Rôle), is a 6x6 wheeled armored personnel carrier with a combat weight of 25 tonnes. It has a top speed of 90 km/h and a range of 800 km, powered by a Renault Trucks 400-horsepower engine. The vehicle meets STANAG 4569 Level 4 protection standards against small arms, artillery splinters, and mine blasts.

Belgian Griffon vehicles are equipped with FN Herstal remote weapon stations supporting 7.62mm and 12.7mm machine guns and a 40mm grenade launcher. Some variants feature Akeron MP missiles or the MEPAC mortar system. Defensive measures include the GALIX self-protection system, a gunfire detector, and electronic countermeasures.

The CaMo program aims to achieve full operational interoperability by 2027 through the formation of Combined Arms Tactical SubGroups (CATSG), composed of Belgian and French units. Luxembourg is partially involved, and discussions are ongoing regarding Ireland’s participation.