France highlights capabilities of Griffon armored vehicles during visit of Iraqi Army leader.

On April 29, 2025, the Chief of Staff of the French Army (CEMAT), General Pierre Schill, hosted the Iraqi Army Chief of Staff, Lieutenant General Qasim Mohammed Salih. During the official visit, the French delegation presented the SCORPION modernization program, including a detailed look at the VBMR Griffon armored vehicle, as evidenced by photos shared by the French Chief of Staff. The visit also included a review of ongoing cooperation between the two armies. According to the French Army, five Iraqi Desert Battalions have received training support from France.
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Launched in 2014, the SCORPION program was designed to modernize French Army ground combat capabilities through new armored platforms, shared combat information systems, and an integrated digital command-and-control architecture. (Picture source: CEMAT)

Launched in 2014, the SCORPION program, Synergie du Contact Renforcée par la Polyvalence et l’Infovalorisation (Synergy of Contact Reinforced by Versatility and Information Enhancement), was designed to modernize French Army ground combat capabilities through new armored platforms, shared combat information systems, and an integrated digital command-and-control architecture. The primary platforms include the VBMR Griffon 6×6 for multirole use, the EBRC Jaguar 6×6 for reconnaissance and fire support, and the VBMR-L Serval 4×4 for rapid deployment and light force operations. These vehicles replace legacy systems such as the VAB, AMX-10RC, ERC-90 Sagaie, and VAB HOT. The program also encompasses the XLR modernization of 200 Leclerc main battle tanks and integrates two key communication systems: the SICS (Système d’Information du Combat SCORPION) for digital networking and Thales’ CONTACT software-defined radio for secure, real-time data transmission between personnel, vehicles, and headquarters. The program continues through 2038, with additional development phases focused on collaborative targeting, increased survivability, fire beyond line of sight, and automation via unmanned systems and robotic platforms.

The SCORPION is developed by a consortium composed of Arquus, Nexter, and Thales. Arquus supplies drivetrains, logistics infrastructure, and all Hornet remote-controlled turrets (T1, T2, T3). Nexter oversees vehicle integration and contributes to design and armament systems. Thales provides onboard electronics, communication systems, and optronics including ANTARES and CONTACT. The vehicles share a common electronic architecture and standard interfaces. According to the French Army, deployments already include fully SCORPION-equipped GTIA (groupement tactique interarmes), and deliveries of Griffon and Serval vehicles are proceeding in parallel with SICS and CONTACT integration. By 2025, SICS is being generalized across the Army and deployed in at least one external theater.

The VBMR Griffon is a 6×6 armored personnel carrier developed to replace the VAB. Its development was assigned to Nexter, Arquus, and Thales in 2014. The DGA qualified the vehicle on June 24, 2019, and the first six units were delivered on July 4, 2019. Production began following initial design studies conducted as early as 2010. The original requirement identified by the 2013 White Paper on Defense was for 2,080 VBMR. The first order of 319 vehicles was placed in 2017, followed by 271 more in 2020, 54 Griffon MEPAC in 2022, and 302 additional Griffon in 2022. Deliveries reached 575 vehicles by December 31, 2023. Breakdown by year includes 92 units in 2019, 128 in 2020, 119 in 2021, 113 in 2022, and 123 in 2023. One MEPAC variant was delivered in December 2024. Total deliveries planned are 1,437 vehicles by 2030 and 1,872 by 2035. Hybrid propulsion variants are planned starting in 2025 following validation tests conducted by the GME and the THOR laboratory at ENSTA Bretagne.

The Griffon is produced in six main variants: VTT (troop transport), EPC (command post), VOA (artillery observer), SAN (medical evacuation), GEN (combat engineering), NRBC (CBRN reconnaissance), and MEPAC (self-propelled mortar). Subvariants of the VTT include the FELIN version for infantry combat; MMP version for Akeron MP missile carriage; MO81 version for 81 mm mortars; STE version for sniper transport; GEN version with observation and navigation kits; ELI version for field maintenance; and RAV version for resupply. The EPC is equipped with a retractable mast, extended communications equipment, and can host five command personnel in addition to the driver and gunner. The VOA is fitted with the GO12 radar (25 km range) and the PASEO Crystal optronics suite. A total of 333 EPC are planned, with half due in 2025. The SAN version, qualified in June 2022, is designed for patient transport and includes protected medical modules. A total of 196 SAN are scheduled for delivery. The NRBC version remains under development with 25 units planned for the 2nd Dragoon Regiment. The MEPAC version, equipped with a 120 mm 2R2M mortar, was first delivered in December 2024. Fifty-four MEPACs are to be delivered by 2028, with each artillery regiment receiving eight. Technical evaluation (EVTO) by the STAT was concluded in March 2025; further tests (NRBC decontamination, cold-weather trials) are scheduled before full operational approval.

Since the launch of the SCORPION program, the VBMR Griffon has been developed in six main variants and over ten subvariants, with a total of 1,872 vehicles planned for production and delivery to the French Army by 2035. (Picture source: CEMAT)

The Griffon measures 7.58 meters in length, 2.54 meters in width, and 2.6 meters in hull height (3.5 meters with turret). Its combat weight is 24.5 tonnes, reaching 28 tonnes with additional armor. It accommodates ten personnel (driver, gunner, and eight troops). Protection meets STANAG 4569 Level 4 standards, including ballistic and mine protection, and is further supported by the GALIX system and modular armor. The vehicle is powered by a 400 hp Renault engine, with a top speed of 90 km/h and a range of 800 km. Electronics include the ANTARES system with 360° day/night optical coverage, a laser warning detector, and four roof microphones for the PILAR V gunshot localization system. Combat data is processed and shared through the SICS network and CONTACT radio. The Hornet remote-controlled weapon station can mount a 7.62 mm or 12.7 mm machine gun or a 40 mm grenade launcher. Fire control is conducted via MINEO optics and is fully integrated into collaborative combat architecture. The Griffon also includes predictive maintenance sensors and HUMS capabilities, and is compatible with SERUM diagnostic equipment. Hybrid propulsion systems were studied between 2020 and 2023 and are intended to reduce emissions, increase silent range to 10 km, and allow vehicles to act as power sources.

The SCORPION ecosystem has drawn interest from several European countries. Belgium signed an intergovernmental agreement in 2018 to acquire 382 Griffon, 60 Jaguar, and 24 MEPAC vehicles. These acquisitions are part of the CaMo (Capacité Motorisée) program. Deliveries are scheduled from 2025 to 2030. Belgium has also ordered 29 CAESAr NG artillery systems. The vehicles are to be assembled in part by CMI Defence and Mol Group in Belgium. Luxembourg approved the purchase of 16 Griffon vehicles in November 2024, with variants including four command vehicles for headquarters, four for multinational squadrons, two JTAC, one sniper team transport, and five for maintenance and supply. Ireland is exploring a similar acquisition, as stated by a KNDS France representative during a February 2025 hearing before the French National Assembly. The Irish Army previously operated French Panhard AML-20, AML-90, and M3 vehicles, phased out in favor of the Piranha III. Griffon acquisition would reintroduce French-built armored vehicles into Irish service.

The CaMo program, initiated in 2018 and formalized through an intergovernmental agreement, links Belgian and French land forces within the SCORPION framework. It establishes common equipment, training, doctrine, and communications systems, enabling full interoperability. According to statements from the French Army and CEMAT General Schill, Belgian units can be integrated into French battalions without operational barriers. CaMo is structured in three phases: integration of Belgian officers into French planning and training through 2025; delivery and operational integration of Griffon and Jaguar systems from 2025 to 2030; and long-term stabilization of joint capabilities. Exercises such as Orion have already included Belgian participation. The inclusion of identical systems, including MEPAC and CAESAr NG, facilitates joint deployment, collaborative combat, and aligned engagement doctrines. CaMo is viewed by the French General Staff as a reference model for further European cooperation.