France’s military has introduced a new self-propelled mortar system based on the Griffon 6×6 armored vehicle, designated the Griffon MEPAC (Mortier Embarqué Pour l’Appui au Contact). The unveiling comes four months after the system completed final trials at the Canjuers military camp.
The MEPAC version made its public debut during the Bastille Day parade in Paris. Images published by Army Recognition reveal a 120mm semi-automatic mortar mounted in the hull, marking a shift away from the aging MO-120-RT towed systems toward armored solutions that offer superior mobility and rapid deployment.
The system is linked to the French Army’s Scorpion digital ecosystem, which ensures interconnected command and control across its combat vehicles. The 120mm mortar can engage targets up to 13 km (8 miles) away, at a firing rate of 10 rounds per minute. With internal shell storage, the platform reduces its dependence on external supply lines and supports sustained operations.
The Griffon MEPAC weighs 25 tons and accommodates a crew of four. In addition to its main weapon, it is armed with a remotely operated 7.62mm machine gun and integrates the Atlas joint fire network to enable coordinated strikes. It features NATO-compliant armor, a 400-horsepower engine, and a seven-speed automatic transmission, capable of reaching speeds of 90 km/h and covering distances up to 800 kilometers.
This vehicle is part of France’s broader $1.35-billion ground forces modernization effort. The first 54 MEPAC-configured Griffons were delivered in January 2025, following the landmark delivery of the 500th standard Griffon in 2023.
