New Griffon VOA Artillery Observation Vehicle Enhances French Army's Artillery Capabilities.

The 11th Marine Artillery Regiment (11e RAMa) of the French army released a video on April 4, 2024, showcasing the integration of the first Griffon VOA (Artillery Observation Vehicle) into service. This marks a significant advancement in the French Army's capabilities, as the Griffon VOA joins the 11e RAMa to replace the outdated VAB OBS vehicles previously used as artillery observation.
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The Griffon VOA Artillery Observation Vehicle replaces the old VAB OBS. (Picture source video footage 11e RAMa)

The Griffon is a new generation of 6x6 armored vehicles that entered into service with the French Army in 2019, following its introduction under the ambitious SCORPION program. This initiative aims to overhaul the army's fleet of armored personnel carriers and combat vehicles, offering enhanced protection, mobility, and tech capabilities. The Griffon stands out for its role in replacing several older models, including the VAB, the army's staple armored personnel carrier since the 1970s, thus significantly boosting the operational efficiency of the French ground forces across diverse missions.

As a crucial element of the 9th Marine Infantry Brigade, the 11e RAMa serves as the brigade's fire support unit. The regiment, which boasts approximately 950 personnel, operates TRF1 155mm towed howitzers and MO-120-RT-61 120mm mortars, emphasizing its pivotal role in artillery operations.

The French Army Procurement Agency (DGA) has made notable strides in modernizing the army's equipment, having delivered six Griffon VOAs to the army since September 2023, with a total of 11 vehicles now enhancing the French military's artillery observation and support capabilities.

The specific feature of the Griffon VOA (Véhicule d'Observation d'Artillerie - Artillery Observation Vehicle) version is that it is equipped with an optronic observation mast, targeting means, telemetry, and laser designation allowing for observation, artillery targeting, and even airstrike designation with the presence of a JTAC (Joint Terminal Attack Controller: forward air controller). In addition, the Griffon VOA carries a MURIN ground observation radar that can be deployed outside the vehicle when it is stationed on the battlefield.

The development of the Griffon VOA vehicle was carried out with the active participation of technical experts and specialists from the DGA (Directorate General of Armaments) and the Army, to take into account the recommendations and needs of the end-users in the industrial processes as early as possible.

The Griffon VOA vehicle underwent a six-month trial campaign involving the DGA's expertise and testing centers (DGA Land Techniques, DGA Information Mastery, DGA Aeronautics Techniques, and DGA NRBC Mastery), as well as the technical section of the Army (STAT)."

The Griffon VOA is essentially a military vehicle designed for advanced reconnaissance and target designation. It's notable for its sophisticated surveillance capabilities, including an optronic mast for visual observation and a deployable ground observation radar, enhancing its utility in battlefield scenarios. The development process emphasized user feedback, incorporating insights from both the DGA and the Army to ensure that the vehicle meets the practical needs of its operators. The extensive testing phase underscores the thorough approach taken to validate its performance and reliability in varied conditions.

The Griffon VOA is equipped with a 6-meter optronic observation mast including optronic systems and laser range finder. (Picture source video 11e RAMa)

Defense News April 2024