News

2020-03-01

EBMR Consortium Gets French Defence Deal

The French defence procurement agency (DGA) awarded the sixth contract amendment on the Scorpion programme to the EBMR consortium formed by Nexter, Arquus and Thales.

This latest award announced on 30 December 2019, known as MEPAC2, covers the delivery of 54 additional Griffon multi-role armoured vehicles (VBMR3) equipped with Thales’s 120-mm 2R2M (Rifled Recoiled Mounted Mortar) system, reaching the total number of Griffon vehicles on the Scorpion program to 1,872 in accordance with the Military Planning Law 2019-2025.

Since consultations began in November 2018, the three industry partners have worked together and with the DGA to design a new version of the vehicle concept with artillery capabilities. This is the first time the French Army will field the 2R2M, which is already in service in four other countries.

The mounted mortar system will provide added mobility and precision in front-line combat operations as well as better protection for soldiers. In particular, the Thales system has built its reputation on its semi-automatic loading system and the precision of its rifled barrel, and has been combat-proven in numerous theatres of operations. In addition to structural modifications to the system architecture, this new version will include significant changes to the on-board optronics and the vehicle’s mobility systems.

The rear compartment of the vehicle will be modified to accommodate the weapon system, mortar operators and the mortar rounds needed on the mission. Roof hatches will also be installed to open or close the top of the vehicle as the needs of the battlegroup evolve.

Finally, as for the other versions of the Griffon VBMR, the consortium’s value proposition includes a substantial support and configuration management component. After qualification of the MEPAC variant, the DGA will take delivery of the first vehicles by the end of 2023, with the remaining deliveries scheduled between 2024 and 2027.

French Army Receives 92nd Griffon

The EBMR consortium, recently delivered the 92nd VBMR Griffon multi-role armoured vehicle to the French Army. On December 24, 2019, EBMR received an inspection report for the delivery of the VBMR-GRIFFON from the quality department of the French Defence Procurement Agency (DGA/SQ). The vehicle is being developed under the EBMR Scorpion programme.

EBMR met its objectives for 2019, in accordance with the initial purchase notified in 2017. The production of the 92nd Griffon was completed in less than six months and represented a real industrial challenge and responded to the Land Forces’ requirements.

In July 2019, in presence of the French Minister of Defence, Florence Parly, the first batch of vehicles was submitted to the French army by the DGA.

Since 2015, Nexter, Arquus and Thales have been fully involved in the partnership with the DGA, to achieve the development, qualification and production of the Griffon. The companies have been working together to conceive a vehicle that will provide a high level of protection, mobility, an effective weapons system, and the latest generation of communication system with functions such as sensors, electronics and algorithms to ensure success in combat.

Of the planned delivery of 1,872 Griffon to the French army by EBMR, 936 vehicles will likely be delivered until 2025 with all the maintenance and logistics support.

Nexter acts as the representative of EBMR. The company is in charge of the development and production of the vehicle structure, including the armoured hull, NRBC and ballistic solutions, and the interior layout. Moreover, Nexter has the responsibility of the vehicles’ assembly and integration in the Roanne industrial site in France. All the equipment and subsystems supplied by partners and contractors are integrated in this facility.

While Arquus designs and produces the full driveline for the Griffon, including all parts that ensure the vehicle’s mobility. This driveline redefines the mobility standards of armoured troop transport vehicles and grants the Griffon new generation, all-terrain capabilities.

The Griffon is thus able to accompany all other vehicles of the Scorpion programme in various conditions. Arquus also designs and produces the Griffon’s remote-controlled self-defence systems, which also equip the other vehicles of the Scorpion programme. These remote-controlled weapon systems benefit from advanced technologies such as Full HD video, augmented reality tactical situation view, extended connectivity with vetronics, which place the Remotely Controlled Weapon Station (RCWS) at the heart of collaborative combat.

Thales brings on board technologies on the vehicles enabling the use of data and information for the collaborative engagement of the platforms. This includes on-board vetronics, which are based on computers and link all navigation, protection, observation and communication services. The on-board vetronics allow the management and merging of all data within the vehicle. Furthermore, the contact radio software ensures the networking of forces by providing real-time communication capabilities.

Comments () Views (12658 ) Print

Send To Friend