Belgium Receives First Griffon Armored Vehicle Under CaMo Program for Local Assembly
Belgium has received its first French Griffon armored vehicle as part of the CaMo (Capacité Motorisée) program. Alexandre Dupuy, Director of System Activities at KNDS France, confirmed the delivery during his hearing before the French National Assembly’s Defense Commission. Dupuy stated, “The first Griffon, the one that is to be assembled in Belgium, has been in Belgium since mid-December. It is now a reality.”
This delivery marks a major step in the Franco-Belgian defense partnership, aiming to strengthen Belgium’s military capabilities and enhance interoperability with the French Army. The Griffon armored vehicle will undergo local assembly at the MOL CY facility in Staden, Belgium. In April 2022, KNDS France (formerly Nexter) selected MOL CY, a Belgian company, for the local assembly of Griffon armored vehicles. The final assembly will take place at a new €7 million facility in Staden, Belgium, boosting the country’s defense production capabilities. The project includes a technology transfer, with Belgian workers trained at KNDS France’s Roanne facility and French experts providing on-site support in Staden. This collaboration strengthens the Franco-Belgian CaMo defense program, supporting Belgium’s military industry and creating local jobs.
The CaMo program (Capacité Motorisée) is a joint defense agreement between France and Belgium that aims to standardize military mobility and improve operational interoperability. Under the agreement, Belgium will acquire 382 Griffon multirole armored vehicles, 60 Jaguar reconnaissance and combat vehicles, and 9 next-generation Caesar 155mm self-propelled howitzers. The CaMo program strengthens defense ties between France and Belgium, enhancing military capabilities and joint operations.
The Griffon VBMR (Véhicule Blindé Multi-Rôle) is a 6×6 multi-role armored vehicle designed for troop transport and battlefield support. It features a modular armored hull providing protection against small arms fire, artillery shrapnel, and improvised explosive devices (IEDs). The hull is V-shaped to deflect blast waves from mines and roadside bombs. The Griffon is powered by a 400-horsepower diesel engine, enabling a top speed of 90 km/h and a range of approximately 800 kilometers. The vehicle can carry up to 10 personnel, including the driver, commander, and eight fully equipped soldiers. It has a remote-controlled weapon station (RCWS), typically armed with a 7.62mm or 12.7mm machine gun or a 40mm automatic grenade launcher, providing firepower while ensuring crew safety. The roof is fitted with smoke grenade launchers for self-defense.
The Griffon is equipped with a Scorpion Combat Information System (SICS) which enables real-time data sharing with other units and improving battlefield coordination. It features thermal imaging, night vision, and GPS navigation for enhanced situational awareness. The vehicle is fully air-conditioned and NBC (nuclear, biological, chemical) protected, ensuring crew safety in hazardous environments. Designed with versatility in mind, the Griffon can be configured for various roles, including troop transport, command post, artillery observation, medical evacuation, and engineering support.