French Army Unveils New Griffon MEPAC Mortar Carrier at Bastille Day Parade

The French Army has officially unveiled a new mortar carrier variant of its Griffon 6×6 armored vehicle, called the Griffon MEPAC (Mortier Embarqué Pour l’Appui au Contact), during the Bastille Day parade in Paris. This marks a key advancement in France’s ground combat capabilities, just four months after successful final testing at the Canjuers military camp.

The Griffon MEPAC is a self-propelled artillery platform designed to replace the older MO-120-RT towed mortars, bringing increased mobility, faster deployment, and better crew protection to the battlefield.

At the heart of the system is a powerful 120-millimeter semi-automatic mortar, mounted inside the vehicle's armored hull. This main armament delivers a firing rate of 10 rounds per minute, with an effective range of around 13 kilometers (8 miles). The system is compatible with both standard and smart munitions, allowing for greater flexibility and precision during combat operations.

One of the biggest upgrades is its integration with the Scorpion digital battlefield network, which connects command, control, and communication systems across the French Army’s ground units. This integration enables faster targeting, coordinated strikes, and enhanced situational awareness.

To support its main weapon, the Griffon MEPAC is also fitted with a remotely operated turret armed with a 7.62-millimeter machine gun, and uses the Atlas joint fire support system for targeting coordination.

The 25-ton vehicle is manned by a crew of four and is built for performance and protection. It comes with:

• NATO-standard armor

• A 400-horsepower six-cylinder turbodiesel engine

• A seven-speed automatic transmission

• An operational range of 800 kilometers (497 miles)

• A top speed of 90 kilometers per hour (56 mph)

Inside the hull, specialized ammunition storage allows the crew to operate longer without relying heavily on external resupply, giving it a logistical edge during extended missions.

This new system plays a critical role in France’s $1.35 billion ground forces modernization program, which aims to build a more connected and lethal battlefield force. In 2023, France celebrated the delivery of its 500th Griffon vehicle, and in January 2025, it received the first batch of 54 Griffon MEPAC variants.

The Griffon MEPAC strengthens France’s indirect fire support capabilities, especially during expeditionary operations and dispersed combat scenarios, by delivering fast, accurate, and protected firepower where it’s needed most.