During the rehearsal for the 2025 Bastille Day military parade in Paris, the French Army officially presented the Griffon MEPAC, a self-propelled 120mm mortar system integrated into the Griffon 6×6 armored vehicle. Designed to modernize and replace the legacy MO-120-RT towed mortars, the MEPAC (Mortier Embarqué Pour l’Appui au Contact) delivers a decisive leap in mobility, survivability, and digital integration for frontline fire support units.
From Static to Mobile Firepower
The MEPAC retains the proven firepower of the MO-120-RT rifled mortar but transforms it into a fully armored and mobile configuration. This eliminates the vulnerabilities of manually deployed towed mortars, allowing crews to fire and relocate within minutes, a vital capability in modern, high-threat environments. All firing operations are now conducted under armor, vastly improving crew protection and minimizing exposure to counter-battery fire or drone threats.
Enhanced Protection and Survivability
Built to NATO STANAG Level 4 protection standards, the Griffon MEPAC ensures ballistic and mine resistance, offering a safe operating environment even in contested zones. This is a significant improvement over legacy mortar systems, where crews operated with limited or no protection while setting up in the open.
Automation for Speed and Efficiency
The system is fitted with a Thales-designed automatic loading and aiming system, enabling faster, more accurate fire missions with reduced crew fatigue. Compared to manual mortar operations, the automated fire control increases engagement speed, firing rate, and precision, while reducing the number of personnel required on board.
Fully Integrated in the SCORPION Battlefield Network
A major advantage of the MEPAC is its seamless integration into France’s SCORPION digitized warfare ecosystem. Connected to the SICS (Système d’Information du Combat SCORPION), the system shares real-time data with other networked assets—forward observers, UAVs, and combat vehicles like the Jaguar and standard Griffon variants. This shortens the sensor-to-shooter loop, allowing highly coordinated fire support missions across the battlefield.
Firepower and Range
The MEPAC’s 120mm mortar delivers indirect fire support at ranges beyond 13 km, with the ability to fire both conventional and smart munitions. The system supports sustained firing rates of up to 10 rounds per minute, delivering flexible and high-volume firepower to support infantry maneuvers or suppress fortified positions.
Operational Benefits and Tactical Impact
With onboard ammunition storage, automated systems, and reduced crew requirements, the Griffon MEPAC offers a streamlined and efficient solution for mobile fire support. Its rapid deployability and digital connectivity enhance operational tempo, particularly in decentralized or expeditionary scenarios.
A Leap Forward in Mobile Artillery
The unveiling of the Griffon MEPAC marks a pivotal moment in France’s SCORPION modernization effort. As armed forces worldwide pivot toward network-centric warfare, France’s investment in modular, protected, and digitized systems positions it at the forefront of next-generation land combat. The MEPAC is more than a mortar carrier—it is a force multiplier, combining mobility, survivability, and precision in one platform tailored for tomorrow’s battlefield.
