PARIS — The French Ministry of the Armed Forces continues the operational fielding of key armored combat platforms under the SCORPION (Synergie du Contact Renforcé par la Polyvalence et l’Infantrie) modernization program, deploying the VBMR-L Serval 4×4 light multi-role armored vehicle alongside the Griffon MEPAC 120 mm mobile mortar platform. Designed to replace legacy platforms such as the VAB, the platforms provide the French Army with enhanced tactical mobility, rapid indirect fire support, and high-speed network-centric connectivity.
Developed jointly by KNDS France and Texelis, the 15-to-17-tonne Serval complements heavy 6×6 platforms by equipping light infantry brigades—including the 11th Parachute Brigade and 27th Mountain Infantry Brigade—with a highly mobile, air-transportable chassis. Simultaneously, the 24.5-tonne Griffon MEPAC (Mortier Embarqué Pour l’Appui au Contact), manufactured by the industrial consortium of KNDS, Arquus, and Thales, integrates the 120 mm 2R2M semi-automatic mortar system onto the Griffon 6×6 hull. Linked directly to the SCORPION Combat Information System (SICS) and ATLAS artillery C2 architecture, the MEPAC provides frontline maneuvering forces with rapid-response, shoot-and-scoot indirect fire support out to 13 kilometers.
TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS: FRENCH ARMY SCORPION PROGRAM — VBMR-L SERVAL & GRIFFON MEPAC
* Program Framework: DGA SCORPION Modernization Program (French Army / Belgian Land Component CaMo)
* Primary Industrial Consortium: KNDS France (Nexter Systems), Texelis, Arquus, and Thales
TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS: VBMR-L SERVAL (4×4 LIGHT MULTI-ROLE ARMORED VEHICLE)
* System Classification: 4×4 Light Multi-Role Armored Vehicle / Protected Troop Transport
* Mass & Dimensions: Combat Weight: 15–17 metric tonnes; Length: 6.5 m; Width: 2.53 m; Height: 2.46 m (roof)
* Propulsion & Mobility: Cummins 8.9L ISLe375 inline-six diesel engine delivering 375 hp; automatic transmission; max road speed >100 km/h; operational range 600 km
* Crew & Dismount Capacity: 2 crew (driver, commander/gunner) + 8 fully equipped infantry dismounts
* Strategic Deployability: C-130 Hercules and A400M Atlas air-transportable (2 Serval vehicles per A400M sortie)
* Armament Suite: Hornet T1/T2 Remote Weapon Station (RWS) supporting 12.7 mm HMG, 7.62 mm MG, or 40 mm AGL; Galix 80 mm smoke dischargers
* Protection & Vetronics: Modular STANAG ballistic/mine protection; ECLIPSE IED jammer; PILAR V gunshot detection; ANTARES 360-degree optronics; SCORPION SICS & CONTACT radio C2 network
TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS: VBMR GRIFFON MEPAC (120 MM MOBILE MORTAR SYSTEM)
* System Classification: 6×6 Self-Propelled Mobile Mortar System / Contact Support Platform
* Mass & Dimensions: Combat Weight: 24.5 metric tonnes; Length: 7.6 m; Width: 2.55 m; Height: 2.7 m
* Main Armament: Thales 120 mm 2R2M (Rifled Recoiled Mounted Mortar) semi-automatic system
* Secondary Armament: Remote Weapon Station (RWS) with 7.62 mm machine gun + Galix smoke launchers
* Indirect Fire Performance Envelope:
* Maximum Effective Range: 8 to 13 km (depending on HE, precision-guided, or cargo ammunition)
* Rate of Fire: Up to 10 rounds per minute with automated semi-automatic breech loading
* Tactical Employment: Automated C2-guided shoot-and-scoot capability reducing counter-battery vulnerability
* Propulsion & Mobility: 400 hp Renault diesel engine with 7-speed automatic transmission; 6×6 hydro-pneumatic suspension; max speed 90 km/h; range 800 km
* C2 & Fire Control Integration: Integrated ATLAS artillery fire control system, SCORPION SICS C2, and CONTACT software-defined digital radio suite
* Crew Complement: 4 personnel (driver, commander, 2 mortar crew)
