123 GRIFFON and 22 JAGUAR: 2023 DGA scheduled delivery successfully completed by Nexter, a KNDS company, Arquus and Thales
- The temporary company grouping (Groupement Momentané d'Entreprises, GME) multi-role armoured vehicle (engin blindé multi rôles, EBMR), including Nexter, a KNDS company, Thales and Arquus, delivered, this year, 123 GRIFFON and 22 JAGUAR vehicles to the Directorate General of Armaments (Direction générale de l’armement, DGA), the French Defence Procurement Agency.
- GME EBMR once again achieves annual delivery targets.
Ongoing JAGUAR and GRIFFON deliveries and qualifications
As defined in the 2019-2025 military programming law, Nexter, a KNDS company, Thales and Arquus fulfilled all GRIFFON and JAGUAR DGA orders scheduled for 2023. These 2019 beginning supplies expended the global hand over to 575 GRIFFON and 60 JAGUAR.
In 2023, the EBMR company grouping introduced the first "Sanitaire" (SAN) GRIFFONs for the French Army Health Service (Système de santé des armées, SSA). This model, which was qualified in 2022, will be delivered to the Forces in early 2024.
Furthermore, on June 16, 2023, the DGA probated a VOA («Véhicule d’Observation d’Artillerie ») version of the GRIFFON and the 3rd Marine Artillery Regiment (3e RAMa) welcomed its first examples. The GRIFFON VOA replaces the VAB OBS. Originally designed to be integrated into the ATLAS artillery fire management chain, this vehicle present a retractable optronic observation mast, equipped with innovative technology availing surveillance, telemetry, pointing and laser designation in order to target and to guide artillery fire. It allows in addition MURIN tactical surveillance radar incorporation.
SCORPION, a program to transform the French Army
With other resources as SERVAL light VBMR vehicles, the JAGUAR armored reconnaissance and combat vehicle (EBRC) and the GRIFFON armored multi-role vehicle (VBMR) take part in the SCORPION program led by the DGA. They execute by design the SCORPION combat information system (SICS). The SICS allows collaborative combat among soldiers thanks to real-time communication between different units and battlefield digitisation. By the end of 2023, in order to test and articulate these new combat capabilities, the 6th Light Armored Brigade (6e BLB) will constitute the first SCORPION Joint Armored Brigade (BIA).
The JAGUAR is a 25-tonne armored reconnaissance and combat vehicle (EBRC), equipped with a 40mm telescoped ammunition cannon (CTA) and the MMP missile.
The JAGUAR is a unique vehicle in several ways:
- Its turret combines three state-of-the-art weapon systems: the Nexter 40mm CTA gun, two MBDA medium-range missiles (MMP) and the T3 Hornet remotely operated turret;
- Its SCORPION vetronics, developed by Thales, include next-generation optronics (IR/TV, missile departure detectors, laser warning detectors, etc.) and on-board tactical training capability;
- Its new-generation Arquus chassis, six driving wheels, innovative suspension and 400hp, 25-tonne, engine provide exceptional tactical, operational and strategic mobility.
The GRIFFON is a 24-tonne multi-role armored vehicle. Its variations enable it to carry out a wide range of missions: troop transport, command post, communication relays, artillery observation and 120mm mortar (MEPAC). Deployed in the Sahel from 2021 by the land forces, the GRIFFON presents recognised operational qualities, maintenance facilities and mobility. Other SCORPION vehicles integrate similar devices, such as vetronics and Hornet remotely operated turrets.
About KNDS
KNDS (KMW+NEXTER Defense Systems) is the result of the combination of Krauss-Maffei Wegmann and Nexter, two of Europe's leading manufacturers of military land systems based in Germany and France. KNDS is a group of around 9,000 employees, with sales of 3.2 billion euros by 2022, an order backlog of around 11 billion euros and order intake of 3.4 billion euros. Its product range includes tanks, armored vehicles, artillery systems, weapon systems, ammunition, military bridges, customer services, information and command systems, training solutions, protection solutions and a wide range of equipment. The creation of KNDS marks the beginning of the consolidation of the land defence systems industry in Europe. The strategic alliance between KMW and Nexter strengthens the competitiveness and international positioning of both groups, as well as their ability to meet the needs of their respective national armies. In addition, it offers European and NATO customers the possibility of greater standardisation and interoperability for their defense equipment, with a reliable industrial base. KNDS is headquartered in Amsterdam.
About Arquus
Arquus is a French defence company and a leader in land mobility solutions. A long-standing partner of the armed forces, Arquus has nearly 25,000 vehicles of all types in service with the French army, of which 20,000 are supported by the company. Arquus is involved in the production of the French army's new generation of front-line vehicles, the VBMR Griffon and the EBRC Jaguar, produced by a Groupement Momentané d'Entreprises. Arquus is in charge of supplying the powertrains and remotely-operated self-defence systems for these two vehicles. Arquus also handles all logistics for spare parts and components for the VBMR and EBRC vehicles in the Scorpion program, thanks to its logistics platform in Garchizy. As a support specialist, with nearly 20,000 vehicles supported on a daily basis, Arquus offers comprehensive support solutions based on the company's long-standing expertise. These solutions are supported by an international logistics network based on that of the Volvo Group, of which Arquus is a member. As an innovative company, Arquus invests in major areas such as architecture, survivability, mobility, energy, robotisation, fire support and support. A complete system integrator, Arquus also offers remote-operated turrets (Hornet range, developed as part of the Scorpion program), vetronics solutions (Battlenet), and mobility (4x4, 6x6 and 8x8 chassis). Arquus is present in over 60 export markets.
About Thales
Thales (Euronext Paris: HO) is a world leader in high technology, specialising in three sectors: aerospace, defence, and digital identity and security. It develops solutions that contribute to a safer, more environmentally friendly and more inclusive world. The Group invests nearly €4 billion a year in Research and Development, particularly in key areas of innovation such as quantum, cloud technologies, 6G and cybersecurity. Thales employs 77,000 people in 68 countries. In 2022, the Group generated sales of 17.6 billion euros.
