September 24, 2020 – Nexter, Arquus and Thales, members of the temporary grouping of companies EBMR (Engins Blindés Multi-Rôles), were notified on 15 September by the French defense procurement agency (DGA) of the second production phase of the contract to build the GRIFFON and JAGUAR engines for the SCORPION program.
The DGA thus confirms the delivery of 42 JAGUAR and 271 GRIFFON engines for the years 2022 and 2023, as scheduled in the 2019-2025 military programming law. Among the new features, this tranche includes the delivery of the first GRIFFON Artillery Observation Vehicles (VOA) and GRIFFON Sanitary (SAN), which will join the Troop Transport Vehicle (TTV) and Command Post Vehicle (CPV) versions.
These new deliveries will contribute to the Army's ramp-up of the SCORPION program. The arrival of this new equipment, with the highest levels of protection and mobility, will provide users with new operational capabilities. Collaborative combat, for example, consists in connecting all the SCORPION program's info-enhanced vehicles in real time.
The firing start detectors, telemetry tools and the many sensors integrated on the GRIFFON and JAGUAR communicate together to contribute to the decision making of the vehicle commander. The JAGUAR's highly integrated and digitized turret and its innovative weapons, such as the CTA40 40 mm telescopic gun, the MMP medium-range missile and the Hornet remotely-operated turrets, considerably broaden their field of action. In short, these latest-generation vehicles benefit from the latest technologies and innovations in the land-based field.
The notification of this order comes in the third quarter of a year 2020 marked by the health crisis. Despite the events and constraints, the three companies have met their commitments, with 51 GRIFFON already delivered this year, joining the 92 GRIFFON delivered in 2019.
Nexter, Arquus and Thales have made the necessary investments in the development and industrial qualification of the vehicles, and in parallel are continuing to recruit, notably engineers specialized in digital technologies.
As Stéphane Mayer points out, on behalf of the three companies, Arquus, Thales and Nexter (of which he is CEO), "the program partners are very satisfied that this order, which is included in the last military programming law, is being strictly respected. We are fully engaged to meet our commitments to the French Ministry of Defence by developing, delivering and supporting the high-performance equipment that is expected”.
By placing this order, the DGA also guarantees the continuity of production for many of the program's suppliers. The production of the GRIFFON and JAGUAR will generate nearly 2,000 highly qualified jobs each year, spread over 5 employment pools, for 3 years. Thus, the defense industry confirms its driving role in the economic recovery and contributes to the sustainability of industrial activity in France.
About Nexter
Nexter, the leading French land defense company and third European player in the ammunition sector is part of the KNDS Group. 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 69% of the order intake in 2019 intended for the export market. In France, Nexter is fully committed to meeting the objectives of the SCORPION program, through the upgrade of the Leclerc tank and the development of the VBMR Griffon and EBRC Jaguar vehicles within the temporary business venture between Nexter, Thales and Arquus, as well as the Lightweight VBMR. Nexter's 2019 turnover amounted to €1,1 billion, of which 16% is allocated to Research and Development activities.
The group's range of products also includes TITUS® and VBCI armored vehicles, CAESAR® 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
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 Garchizy. 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 (4×4, 6×6, 8×8 drivelines). Arquus is present in more than 60 countries worldwide.
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 83,000 employees in 68 countries, Thales generated sales of €19 billion in 2019 (on a pro forma basis including Gemalto on 12 months).
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.
