PARIS (Reuters) – Jean Castex signed on Saturday in Roanne (Loire) with the arms group Nexter a 600 million euro contract aimed at developing the new generation of the Caesar (“Caesar NG”), a 155 mm gun mounted on a truck which has proven itself in Iraq, in particular.
“This contract, for a maximum amount of 600 million euros, will be at the origin of the creation of 300 jobs at Nexter, its partners, their subcontractors everywhere in France”, declared the Prime Minister, according to the text of his speech broadcast by Matignon.
The Army expects 33 copies, while the current 76 guns will be brought to the future standard, which notably provides for the addition of an armored cabin and a more powerful engine.
“This new generation will make it possible to reinforce the mobility of this weapon, the protection of its crew (…) and what is called its connectivity”, noted Jean Castex.
The Head of Government also formalized the launch of the fourth phase of the Scorpion program, which aims to modernize the Army’s combat capabilities around new armored vehicles (Griffon, Jaguar, Serval) and a unique combat information.
This tranche, worth 1.2 billion euros, provides for the production of 302 Griffon vehicles, 88 Jaguar and 54 Mepac vehicles, a version of the Griffon on which a 120 mm mortar is mounted, indicated Jean Castex.
“In total, over the period 2021-2025, nearly 5 billion euros will be invested in this major program for the Army and for our industry,” he said.
(Written by Sophie Louet)
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