New MEPAC 120mm Self-Propelled Mortar Vehicle to Join French Army Artillery After Successful Final Evaluation.

As of March 2, 2025, the French Army is in the final stages of evaluating the Système Mortier Embarqué d'Appui au Contact (MEPAC - 120mm Self-Propelled Mortar Vehicle) at the Canjuers military camp. This two-week assessment, reported by the official BTR X account on March 2, 2025, is a crucial step before the system is formally delivered to French artillery regiments. After completing this evaluation, the MEPAC will be fully integrated into the French Army’s artillery forces, marking a key milestone in the modernization of France's military capabilities.
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MEPAC 120mm self-propelled mortar system during a live-fire test at Canjuers military camp, showcasing its precision and firepower as part of the final evaluation before delivery to the French Army. (Picture source: French MoD)

The MEPAC is a highly advanced 6x6 self-propelled mortar carrier vehicle armed with a 120mm mortar system designed to provide mobile, effective artillery fire support on the battlefield. Developed as part of France's Scorpion program, the MEPAC is intended to modernize and enhance the operational capabilities of the French Army. Based on the Griffon 6x6 armored vehicle, which has already proven its worth, the MEPAC weighs 24.5 tons and is built to offer a combination of robust protection, all-terrain mobility, and effective fire support in various combat scenarios.

One of the standout features of the MEPAC is its 120mm semi-automatic 2R2M mortar, for its self-protection, the vehicle is fitted with a remotely operated weapon statin armed with a 7.62mm machine gun. This setup allows the vehicle to deliver highly precise artillery support with a rapid rate of fire, making it a vital asset in modern military engagements where speed and accuracy are critical. Furthermore, the system is seamlessly connected to the Atlas artillery network, which enhances its ability to coordinate with other military units for effective fire support and operational execution.

The MEPAC’s design also emphasizes its role within the broader context of the French Army’s combat structure. The vehicle is a multi-role platform, combining fire support with mobility and protection, which enables it to operate effectively across a wide range of environments—from urban combat zones to difficult, rugged terrains. Equipped with the advanced vétronique system, the MEPAC can be integrated into France's command and control networks, allowing for collaborative, connected operations. This capability ensures that tactical groups (GTIA) can work together in a unified system, exchanging real-time data to enhance combat effectiveness.

In terms of delivery, the French Army is moving quickly to equip its artillery regiments with the MEPAC. The first MEPAC vehicle was delivered to the 8th Maintenance Regiment (8e RMAT) in December 2024, a unit tasked with ensuring the operational readiness of military equipment. Further deliveries are set to continue throughout 2025, with an additional ten vehicles scheduled for the year. By the end of 2028, a total of 54 MEPAC vehicles will be delivered to the French Army. In addition to the French Army’s orders, the MEPAC will also be supplied to Belgium under the Capacité motorisée (CaMo) program, with 24 vehicles planned for delivery, strengthening the military partnership between the two nations.

The MEPAC is a variant of the Griffon armored vehicle, produced by the Engin Blindé Multi-Rôles (EBMR) consortium, which includes key defense manufacturers KNDS France, Thales, and ARQUUS, now part of Belgian Company John Cockerill Defense. Thales is responsible for producing the 120mm 2R2M mortar, ensuring that the MEPAC is equipped with state-of-the-art artillery technology. The collaboration between these industrial giants ensures that the MEPAC is not only a highly mobile armored platform but also a precision-guided fire support system that is integrated into modern military networks.

The delivery of the MEPAC marks a major advancement in the French Army's artillery capabilities. With its combination of mobility, protection, and firepower, the MEPAC is set to play a central role in future military operations. Its ability to provide rapid, accurate fire support while maintaining operational flexibility ensures that the French Army will remain capable of responding effectively to a wide range of challenges on both domestic and international fronts. As the final evaluation phase concludes, the MEPAC will soon be operational, reinforcing the French Army’s position as a modern, capable force in an increasingly complex global security environment.