The Griffon MEPAC, Mortier Embarqué Pour l'Appui au Contact (MEPAC), meaning "Embedded Mortar for Contact Support, developed by the French defense consortium of Nexter, Arquus, and Thales, is a self-propelled mortar carrier designed to enhance the indirect fire capabilities of mechanized units. Originating from France, it is an integral part of the SCORPION modernization program and offers superior mobility, firepower, and protection. The vehicle incorporates the advanced 120mm 2R2M rifled mortar, providing precise and rapid artillery support in high-intensity combat scenarios.
Country users: Belgium, France
Technical Data
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Armament
The Griffon MEPAC is armed with the 120mm 2R2M (Rifled Recoiled Mounted Mortar) system, a highly mobile and automated weapon capable of semi-automatic loading and firing 10 rounds per minute. The mortar has a firing range of 8 to 13 kilometers, depending on the ammunition type. The mortar system offers high precision, three times greater than conventional smoothbore mortars, and supports multiple ammunition types, including high-explosive (HE), smoke, illumination, and guided rounds. The system features shoot-and-scoot capability, allowing the vehicle to fire and quickly relocate to avoid counter-battery fire. It has been qualified to NATO environmental and safety standards and is already field-proven in operations across six countries, with over 170 systems deployed. For secondary armament, the vehicle is equipped with a remotely operated turret (RWS) armed with a 7.62mm machine gun, enhancing its self-defense capabilities.
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Design and protection
The Griffon MEPAC is based on the Griffon VBMR 6×6 armored personnel carrier chassis, designed for robustness and protection. The vehicle's internal layout consists of the driver and commander at the front, with the mortar system and its crew located in the rear compartment. It provides a high level of protection for the four-member crew, including ballistic protection against small arms and artillery fragments, as well as mine and IED (Improvised Explosive Device) protection in accordance with NATO STANAG 4569 standards. The MEPAC is equipped with Scorpion-standard vetronics, featuring integrated electronic systems for command, control, and situational awareness. Additional self-protection measures include the GALIX smoke grenade launcher system, providing concealment against threats. The Griffon platform's modular armor can be enhanced with additional kits to increase survivability in high-threat environments.
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Mobility
The Griffon MEPAC features an all-terrain capable 6x6 drivetrain, powered by a Renault 400-horsepower diesel engine, coupled with a 7-speed automatic transmission. This powertrain enables the vehicle to achieve a maximum speed of 90 km/h on roads and an operational range of approximately 800 kilometers. The vehicle's independent hydro-pneumatic suspension provides superior ride comfort and maneuverability across rough terrain, allowing it to maintain operational effectiveness in various environments. Tactical mobility enhancements ensure the vehicle can integrate seamlessly into rapid deployment forces, following mechanized units in high-tempo operations. The combination of high speed, off-road capabilities, and durability makes the Griffon MEPAC a highly mobile artillery asset for modern battlefields.
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Combat Equipment
The Griffon MEPAC is integrated with advanced combat equipment to maximize its operational effectiveness. It is equipped with an advanced automatic fire control system, allowing rapid deployment and precision strikes. The onboard ATLAS system provides full integration with battlefield command and control networks, ensuring seamless coordination with other fire support assets. The MEPAC features the Scorpion electronics package, which includes the CONTACT radio system, enabling near real-time data sharing for collaborative operations. Automated targeting systems allow the mortar to quickly receive firing solutions from higher command or forward observers, optimizing response time and accuracy. For self-defense, the vehicle is fitted with the GALIX self-protection system, which includes smoke grenade dischargers to obscure its position and counter enemy targeting. In degraded mode, the vehicle retains manual firing capabilities to ensure operational effectiveness under electronic warfare conditions.
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