First Griffon rolls of the production line: "Industrial work on Belgian soil"

“Today marks an important day for Defence. The first Griffon is ready, marking the beginning of a new generation of vehicles for our land component,” said Minister of Defence Theo Francken during the unveiling at MOL CY in Staden.

This milestone not only symbolizes the modernization of the Belgian Army, but also the anchoring of Belgian industrial expertise within a broader European defence partnership.

Industrial Work on Belgian Soil

Final assembly of the Griffons takes place at MOL CY, a Belgian family-owned company with eighty years of experience in heavy vehicles and a strong reputation as an industrial partner. FN Herstal is responsible for integrating the advanced weapon systems. “Today, right here in our own country, at an SME in West Flanders, the future of our land forces is rolling off the line,” said Minister Francken. “This is cutting-edge technology, built by our own skilled workers, with a direct impact on both our security and our economy.”

Belgium has ordered a total of 382 Griffons, with this first unit marking the official launch. The collaboration with Belgian companies not only creates dozens of specialized jobs but also strengthens our technological expertise, production capacity, and strategic autonomy. In the long term, Belgian players such as MOL CY and FN Herstal will remain structurally involved in the maintenance, support, and further development of these systems.

International Cooperation

Belgium continues to work toward a more balanced CaMo partnership with France, emphasizing substantial industrial return. Intensive negotiations are underway with the French partners to secure additional commitments, ensuring that Belgian companies remain firmly embedded in the programme. “We are strengthening our security while building our economic sovereignty. Belgian firms must have a permanent seat at the table in this European endeavour,” said Francken.

The delivery of the Griffon is part of a broader military cooperation between the armies of Belgium and France. The aim is to enhance interoperability through identical vehicles, shared combat methods, joint training, and interconnected information systems. For this reason, Luxembourg also purchased 16 Griffons last year, which will be deployed in a binational Belgian-Luxembourg reconnaissance battalion. “Cooperation between European nations is the way forward. This is how we build an army ready for tomorrow’s operations,” Francken added.

From Technology to Combat Power

The Griffon is a 24.5-ton armoured multipurpose vehicle, suitable for troop transport, medical evacuation, command missions, and artillery observation. It will be equipped with the SCORPION combat information system, which will enable real-time data exchange on the battlefield.

Thanks to its modular design, modern sensors, and remotely operated weapon station, the Griffon represents a major step forward in terms of mobility, protection, and tactical awareness. “The revolution lies not just in steel, but in information. We are building a digital land force,” the minister concluded.