Inauguration of Griffon armored vehicles assembly plant in Belgium.

On April 23, 2024, Belgium inaugurated a Griffon armored vehicles assembly plant, marking a significant step in the partnership between Belgium and France in the SCORPION/CaMo program. Established in 2018, this partnership aims to enhance the motorized capacity of the Belgian army by acquiring 382 of these modern armored vehicles.
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The 382 Griffons will be delivered to the Belgian army between 2025 and 2031, with turrets developed by FN Herstal (Picture source: Army Recognition)

The Griffon VBMR (Multi-Role Armored Vehicle) is a 6x6 wheeled armored vehicle developed as part of the EBMR Scorpion program for the French army, in collaboration with companies such as Nexter Systems, Renault Trucks Defense, and Thales. It will primarily serve as a troop transport vehicle, with six planned variants including ambulance, command post, artillery observation, mortar carrier, engineer, and recovery vehicles.

The Griffon VBMR is equipped with a remote weapon station, providing increased protection and precise firepower with day/night sighting systems. Designed to offer a high level of protection (STANAG 4569 Level 4) and all-terrain mobility, it has a speed of 110 km/h and a range of 800 km. Production of this vehicle is planned under the EBMR Scorpion contract, with France and Belgium as the main users.

In terms of technical specifications, the Griffon VBMR is armed with a 7.62mm/12.7mm machine gun or a 40mm automatic grenade launcher, offering protection against light weapons up to a caliber of 14.5mm. It weighs approximately 24,500 kg and can accommodate a crew of 3 with an additional capacity to transport 8 soldiers. Its dimensions include a width of 2.5 m, and a height of 3.0 m.

General Pierre Schill, Chief of Staff of the French Army, hailed this partnership as a model for future European cooperation. In 2018, Belgium expressed its intention to acquire 382 Griffon multi-role armored vehicles and 60 Jaguar reconnaissance and combat armored vehicles, along with other equipment under the CaMo program.

In addition to capacity aspects, the CaMo contract has facilitated structural cooperation between the French and Belgian ground forces, aiming for total interoperability between the units of both countries.

On the industrial front, KNDS France selected the MOL Group to assemble the Griffons ordered by Belgium, a decision made in April 2022. This collaboration led to the inauguration of a new assembly plant in Staden, Belgium, on April 23.

The 382 Griffons will be delivered to the Belgian army between 2025 and 2031, with turrets developed by FN Herstal. Luxembourg also plans to join this Franco-Belgian cooperation, with discussions underway for the creation of a medium combat reconnaissance battalion.

Defense News April 2024