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2024-03-06

Nexter has More to Offer ME Partners

Nexter, a key member of the KNDS consortium, unveiled an array of combat-proven and latest products at the recently-concluded World Defense Summit 2024 (WDS). With a distinguished track record of having served the Royal Saudi Armed Forces for several years, Nexter’s portfolio included iconic systems such as the Caesar artillery system, the Narwhal naval remotely operated 20mm turret, the TITUS armoured personnel carrier, and the ARAVIS highly protected 4x4 vehicle.

The company captivated audiences showcasing combat vehicles like the new VBCI MkII equipped with the T40 turret and the Jaguar combat and reconnaissance vehicle, a stalwart in the French Army.

The RAPIDFire naval turret, armed with Nexter’s 40mm CTA gun and optronics from Thales, took centre stage.

Notably, this naval system had recently demonstrated its prowess during the deployment of the French Navy’s new supply ship, the BRF Jacques-Chevalier, where it successfully executed a shooting campaign.

Its presentation also spotlighted its ammunition solutions, featuring the LU 211 and LU 220 family of HE projectiles designed for both legacy and new generation 155mm artillery systems. Additionally, the SABIR 155mm precision-guided ammunition and the SHARD 120mm APFSDS tank ammunition underscored Nexter’s commitment to providing comprehensive solutions to meet the evolving needs of modern armed forces.

Nexter, part of KNDS, is dedicated to enhancing collaboration with Saudi companies by offering opportunities for the localisation of production, development, and maintenance capacities. Ongoing discussions with partners include co-development proposals for artillery ammunition and armoured vehicles.

Caesar MkII Contract

Nexter has secured a contract from the French Ministry of Defence for 109 Caesar MkII. The Defence Procurement and Technology Agency (DGA) of the French MOD has facilitated this agreement, with the initial delivery anticipated in 2026.

The Caesar MkII, boasting enhanced mobility, superior protection, and seamless integration into the Scorpion combat information system, has been in development since December 2021.

The DGA and Nexter have also signed a framework agreement allowing France to acquire Caesar and support services on behalf of partner countries.

Arquus Chassis

The Caesar MkII introduces significant upgrades in protection, mobility, and communication, including a reinforced cabin to withstand mines and ballistic projectiles, improved mobility with a new 460 HP engine, automatic gearbox, and Arquus chassis, and advanced fire control software.

Additionally, the cabin is prepared for seamless integration with the future generation of NCT-t radio stations, while retaining the proven reliability and effectiveness of the MkI artillery system demonstrated in both low and high-intensity warfare.

Delivery Success

In the successful 2023 DGA scheduled delivery completion, Nexter, with Arquus and Thales in the temporary company grouping (GME) for the multi-role armoured vehicle (EBMR), delivered 123 Griffon and 22 Jaguar vehicles to the French Defence Procurement Agency (DGA).

GME EBMR met annual delivery targets, fulfilling all Griffon and Jaguar DGA orders as outlined in the 2019-2025 military programming law, bringing the total handover to 575 Griffon and 60 Jaguar.

In 2023, the EBMR company grouping introduced the first “Sanitaire” (SAN) Griffons for the French Army Health Service, qualified in 2022 and set for delivery to the Forces in early 2024.

On June 16, 2023, the DGA approved a VOA (Véhicule d’Observation d’Artillerie) version of the Griffon, with the 3rd Marine Artillery Regiment (3e RAMa) receiving its initial examples.

The Griffon VOA, designed for integration into the ATLAS artillery fire management chain, features a retractable optronic observation mast with innovative technology for surveillance, telemetry, pointing, and laser designation, facilitating artillery fire targeting and incorporating the MURIN tactical surveillance radar.

Scorpion Combat Integration

The Jaguar armoured reconnaissance and combat vehicle and the Griffon armoured multi-role vehicle (VBMR), complemented by other resources like SERVAL light VBMR vehicles, actively participate in the Scorpion programme under the leadership of the DGA.

Specifically designed to implement the Scorpion combat information system (SICS), these vehicles facilitate collaborative combat by enabling real-time communication among different units and battlefield digitisation.

By the conclusion of 2023, the 6th Light Armoured Brigade (6e BLB) is set to establish the inaugural Scorpion Joint Armoured Brigade (BIA) to thoroughly test and demonstrate these innovative combat capabilities.

The Jaguar, weighing 25 tonnes, serves as an EBRC, featuring a 40mm telescoped ammunition cannon (CTA) and the MMP missile.

Jaguar’s Advancements

The Jaguar stands out as a unique vehicle, featuring a turret that integrates three cutting-edge weapon systems: the Nexter 40mm CTA gun, two MBDA medium-range missiles (MMP), and the T3 Hornet remotely operated turret.

Additionally, its Scorpion vetronics, developed by Thales, incorporate next-generation optronics such as IR/TV, missile departure detectors, laser warning detectors, and on-board tactical training capability.

The vehicle’s new-generation Arquus chassis, six driving wheels, innovative suspension, and a powerful 400hp, 25-tonne engine contribute to its exceptional tactical, operational, and strategic mobility.

The Griffon is a 24-tonne multi-role armoured vehicle. Its variations enable it to carry out a wide range of missions: troop transport, command post, communication relays, artillery observation and 120mm mortar (MEPAC). Deployed in the Sahel from 2021 by the land forces, it presents recognised operational qualities, maintenance facilities and mobility.

Tank Vision Upgrade

The DGA has informed the temporary company grouping (GME), consisting of Nexter (a KNDS company) and Safran Electronics & Defense, about a contract for developing and integrating new sights for the tank commander and gunner.

These sights are pivotal observation and engagement systems for the Leclerc tank, enabling the crew to detect, identify, and target objects several kilometres away before engagement. Leveraging the latest optronic and inertial technologies, the sights draw on over 30 years of expertise from Safran Electronics & Defense and the global references of the PASEO sight.

New Digital Sights

Following technical negotiations with the DGA teams, Nexter and Safran Electronics & Defense are strengthening the “observation” function in light of the new threats on the battlefield.

The optronic core of the Leclerc tank’s weapon system is digitised to increase the data flow and provide high-quality images in all conditions. The analogue video system of the Leclerc tank is replaced by a digital video system. The gunner’s sight is modernised with latest-generation optronic sensors and new electronics.

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