SCORPION: The temporary company grouping awarded for MEPAC contract for mounted mortar systems on the GRIFFON

Friday 24th January 2020

On the 30th of December 2019, the French defence procurement agency (DGA) awarded the sixth contract amendment on the SCORPION programme to the consortium1 formed by Nexter, Arquus and Thales. This latest award, 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 capabilities.

This is the first time the 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 onboard 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.

1 Consortium status under French law: groupement momentané d'entreprises (GME) 2 MEPAC: mortier embarqué pour l’appui au contact / mounted mortar for front-line fire support 3 VBMR: véhicule blindé multi-rôle / multi-role armoured vehicles

About Nexter

Nexter, the leading French land defense company and third European player in the ammunition sector is part of the KNDS Group. It is dedicated to meet the needs of the French land forces and of Nations on an international scale. The scope of its business includes as well the supply of weapon systems and ammunition for air and naval forces. Nexter also provides systems and protection solutions in the field of homeland security. The group continues to apply its international development policy with 52% of the order intake in 2018 intended for the export market. In , Nexter is fully committed to meeting the objectives of the SCORPION program, through the upgrade of the Leclerc and the development of the future VBMR Griffon and EBRC Jaguar vehicles within the temporary business venture between Nexter, Thales and Arquus, as well as the Lightweight VBMR. Nexter's 2018 turnover amounted to €962 million, of which 16% is allocated to Research and Development activities. The group's range of products also includes ARAVIS®, TITUS® and VBCI armored vehicles, CAESAR®, TRAJAN® and 105LG1 artillery systems, smart ammunition (BONUS), robots, many equipment, as well as customer service, support and revaluation. More information on www.nexter-group.fr

Press Contact Guillem MONSONIS Tel. +33 1 39 49 33 77 / [email protected]

About Arquus

Arquus is a French Defense company, leader of land mobility solutions. Historical partner of the armies, Arquus has more than 25,000 vehicles currently in service in the French Army, 20,000 of which are supported by the company. Arquus takes part in the VBMR GRIFFON and EBRC JAGUAR programs, which are the new generation of the French Army’s combat vehicles, in the framework of a Temporary Grouping of Companies. Arquus is notably in charge of designing and delivering the drivelines and the self-defense weapon systems for these two vehicles. Arquus also takes charge of all the logistics for the spare parts and organs of the VBMR and EBRC vehicles of the SCORPION program, thanks to its new logistics facility in Fourchambault. Expert of support solutions, with more than 20,000 vehicles serviced daily, Arquus presents complete support offers, built on the company’s historical knowledge. These solutions rely on a global logistics network, supported by the Volvo Group, Arquus’ parent company. Building on innovation, Arquus invests in major fields such as vehicle architecture, survivability, mobility, energy, robotization, weaponization, and support. Systems conceptor and integrator, Arquus also offers remote-controlled weapon stations (the Hornet range, developed as part of the SCORPION program), vetronics solutions (Battlenet) and mobility capabilities (4x4, 6x6, 8x8 drivelines). Arquus is present in more than 60 countries worldwide. To learn more about Arquus: https://www.arquus-defense.com

Press Contact Marin Tollet +33 (0)6 51 00 04 18 [email protected]

About Thales

Thales (Euronext Paris: HO) is a global technology leader shaping the world of tomorrow today. The Group provides solutions, services and products to customers in the aeronautics, space, transport, digital identity and security, and defence markets. With 80,000 employees in 68 countries, Thales generated sales of €19 billion in 2018 (on a pro forma basis including Gemalto).

Thales is investing in particular in digital innovations — connectivity, Big Data, artificial intelligence and cybersecurity — technologies that support businesses, organisations and governments in their decisive moments.

Press Contact Fanny Mounier +33 (0)6 37 91 44 96 [email protected]