Technology: French Army enhances mobile artillery fire support with Griffon MEPAC self-propelled 120mm mortar vehicle.

During the 2025 Bastille Day military parade rehearsal in Paris, the French Army publicly presented its new Griffon MEPAC (Mortier Embarqué Pour l’Appui au Contact - Mortar Carrier for Fire Support) for the first time, a 120mm self-propelled mortar system mounted on the Griffon 6x6 armored vehicle chassis. This marks a major advancement in the operational capability of French artillery units, as it replaces the older MO-120-RT towed mortar with a modern, protected, and mobile fire support system integrated into the SCORPION digital battlefield ecosystem.
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The Griffon MEPAC is a new French self-propelled mortar carrier vehicle that integrates a 120mm rifled mortar system into a Griffon 6x6 armored vehicle.  (Picture source: Army Recognition Group)

The Griffon MEPAC 120mm self-propelled mortar carrier represents a significant evolution in artillery indirect fire support capabilities for the French Army. It retains the firepower of the 120mm MO-120-RT rifled mortar but incorporates it into a fully armored and mobile platform, drastically improving mobility, responsiveness, and crew protection. This transformation enables mortar crews to conduct fire missions rapidly and redeploy immediately after firing, a critical advantage in modern high-intensity conflict zones where mobility and survivability are essential.

One of the primary advantages of the Griffon MEPAC over the previous towed version is its shoot-and-scoot capability. With the MO-120-RT, mortar teams had to rely on external vehicles for towing and were required to set up the system manually in open terrain, leaving crews exposed to enemy fire and significantly increasing deployment time. The MEPAC eliminates these vulnerabilities by integrating the mortar within the Griffon's armored hull, allowing firing operations to be conducted entirely under armor. This not only accelerates response times but also drastically enhances survivability against counter-battery fire and aerial threats.

Protection is another decisive improvement. The Griffon MEPAC provides full ballistic and mine protection compliant with NATO STANAG Level 4 standards. In contrast, MO-120-RT crews operated with minimal protection, making them highly vulnerable during fire missions. The armored environment of the MEPAC ensures crew safety while operating in contested environments, especially under drone surveillance or during artillery duels.

Automation plays a central role in the improved performance of the Griffon MEPAC. The vehicle is equipped with a Thales-designed automatic loading and aiming system, enabling higher rates of fire with reduced crew fatigue. Unlike the manual processes of the MO-120-RT, the automated systems onboard the MEPAC allow for sustained fire support with faster target engagement, improving mission effectiveness and precision.

The integration of the Griffon MEPAC within the SCORPION program brings another layer of operational advantage. The system is fully connected to the SICS (Système d’Information du Combat SCORPION) digital command network, ensuring seamless data exchange with forward observers, reconnaissance drones, and other combat platforms. This enhances situational awareness and shortens the sensor-to-shooter loop, enabling highly coordinated and synchronized fire missions. It also ensures full interoperability with other SCORPION-equipped vehicles such as the Jaguar and standard Griffon troop carriers, further reinforcing combined arms capabilities.

In terms of firepower, the 120mm mortar mounted on the Griffon MEPAC delivers indirect fire at ranges exceeding 13 kilometers, with the capacity to fire both conventional and smart munitions. The system can sustain a firing rate of up to 10 rounds per minute, depending on the type of ammunition and mission requirements. This level of fire support significantly increases the lethality and tactical flexibility of infantry units, especially in decentralized or expeditionary operations.

Logistically, the Griffon MEPAC also streamlines mortar operations. Onboard storage for ammunition reduces dependency on external resupply under fire, and the reduction in crew size due to automation allows for more efficient vehicle operation. All these factors combine to deliver a system that is faster to deploy, more lethal in execution, and significantly safer for the crew.

The unveiling of the French Army Griffon MEPAC 120mm self-propelled mortar carrier vehicle at the Bastille Day rehearsal is a visible demonstration of France’s continued investment in high-tech, combat-ready ground platforms. It underscores the country’s commitment to replacing legacy systems with modern, networked, and protected solutions capable of operating in tomorrow’s battlefields. As the French Army progresses with the SCORPION modernization effort, the Griffon MEPAC stands out as a key capability that aligns with new doctrines of high mobility, digital integration, and armored survivability. Its deployment marks a major leap in battlefield effectiveness and reinforces France’s position as a leader in next-generation land combat systems.