Nexter, a KNDS company, Thales and Arquus delivered 123 Griffon and 22 Jaguar vehicles to the Directorate General of Armaments (DGA), the French Defense Procurement Agency.
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.
The companies shared a joint statement on the armored vehicles as follows:
“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 recognized operational qualities, maintenance facilities and mobility. Other SCORPION vehicles integrate similar devices, such as vetronics and Hornet remotely operated turrets.”