The French Army has unveiled a self-propelled mortar variant of its Griffon 6×6 multi-role armored vehicle — known as the Griffon MEPAC (On-Board Mortar for Contact Support) — just four months after the system underwent final evaluation at the Canjuers military training area.
The vehicle was first publicly showcased during the Bastille Day military parade in Paris. According to Army Recognition, the MEPAC features a 120mm semi-automatic mortar mounted in the hull, replacing the older MO-120-RT towed mortar in favor of enhanced tactical mobility and faster deployment.
The mortar is integrated with the Scorpion digital command and control network, allowing the system to coordinate seamlessly with other ground forces. Capable of firing both conventional and smart munitions, the weapon delivers up to 10 rounds per minute and strikes targets at ranges of up to 13 kilometers (8 miles). Special on-board storage compartments allow extended operation without immediate resupply.
The 25-ton Griffon MEPAC, crewed by four soldiers, also boasts a remotely operated 7.62mm machine gun turret and the Atlas artillery fire coordination system. It meets NATO armor standards and is powered by a 400-horsepower six-cylinder turbodiesel engine paired with a seven-speed automatic transmission. The vehicle has a top speed of 90 km/h (56 mph) and a range of 800 kilometers (497 miles).
As part of France’s $1.35-billion ground modernization initiative, Paris accepted its 500th Griffon unit in 2023 and received its first 54 MEPAC variants in January 2025.
