Wikipedia

VBCI

The véhicule blindé de combat d'infanterie (English: armoured infantry fighting vehicle) or VBCI is a French Infantry fighting vehicle designed and manufactured by GIAT Industries (now Nexter Systems) and Renault Trucks Defense (now Arquus) to replace the AMX-10P.[4] The first units entered active service with the French Army in 2008. 630 units were ordered and full delivery was completed in 2018. They are available in two core variants, the VCI infantry fighting vehicle and the VPC command post vehicle.

VBCI
French Army VBCI in 2021
TypeInfantry fighting vehicle
Place of originFrance
Service history
In service2008–present
Used byFrance
WarsWar in Afghanistan
Operation Serval
Production history
DesignerGIAT Industries
Renault Trucks Defense
Designed2000–2007
ManufacturerGIAT Industries
Renault Trucks Defense
Unit costVCI: €3.49m (FY2012)[1]
VPC: €2.74m (FY2012)[1]
Produced2008–2018
No. built630 (510 VCI and 120 VPC)
Specifications
MassVCI: 28.5 t–32 t (normal combat load)
VPC: 28.5 t–32 t (normal combat load)
Length7.6 m
Width2.98 m
Height3 m
Crew2 + 9-man combat group
ArmourProtection against 14.5 mm API[2]
Main
armament
GIAT modèle M811 25 mm autocannon (400 rounds/ minute)[3]
Secondary
armament
co-axial 7.62 mm machine gun
EngineRenault Diesel
550 hp (410 kW)
SuspensionWheel
Operational
range
750 km (470 mi)
Maximum speed 100 km/h (62 mph)

The VBCI is built on an aluminium hull which carries a modular THD steel and titanium armour that can be replaced in the field. The 8x8 wheeled design was chosen to make the VBCI more comfortable as well as easier and less costly to maintain on war theaters than a tracked vehicle would be, while giving it sufficient mobility to complement the Leclerc tank. The VBCI is also designed to be transportable by the Airbus A400M.

History

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Bastille Day Parade 2017, VBCI of the 16th battalion of chasseurs.
 
The Renault X8A demonstrator, used to experiment towards the VCBI. An actual VCBI is in the background. On display at the Musée des Blindés in Saumur.

In the early 1990s, the French government started the VBM (Véhicule Blindé Modulaire — Modular Armoured Vehicle) as a replacement for its older IFVs. Soon, Germany and the United Kingdom joined the project. At Eurosatory 1996, Renault unveiled the X8A, an eight-wheeled prototype in this perspective.[5]

However, in 1999, the programme came to a dead-end, and France decided to carry on on its own and ordered 700 vehicles on 6 November 2000. In 2003–2004, the programme reached some major milestones: The mobility/agility tests, the armour tests and the electronic systems tests were all successful. From 2004 to 2005, the first 5 prototypes (4 VCIs and 1 VPC) were tested in real conditions. These tests proved some crucial design mistakes on the DRAGAR turret, which had to be redesigned. The 2 years delay in the programme are consequences of this design flaw.

As the programme reaches completion, other variants are being studied. A mortar version and a vehicle using the MILAN Missile have been considered by the developer. Note that none of these variants are being developed as of now, but feasibility studies are being conducted. In June 2007, VBCI was being considered for the British FRES programme.[6]

 
French soldiers and VBCIs near Gao, Mali, in March or April 2013.

France originally planned to buy 550 VCI and 150 of the VPC command version, but this was cut to 510 and 120 respectively with deliveries until 2015.[1] The €3.49bn (FY2012) project will deliver 630 units at a unit cost of €3.49m (~US$4.8m) for the VCI and €2.74m (~US$3.7m) for the VPC, or €5.5m (~US$7.4m) per vehicle including development costs.[1]

The 200th VBCI was delivered to the French army on 23 June 2010.[7] The 400th VBCI was delivered to the French army on 12 June 2012.[8] The first unit to be equipped with the new infantry fighting vehicle was the 35th Infantry Regiment in Belfort.[9] The 500th VBCI was delivered to the French Army on 8 July 2013. Delivery of 110 command post vehicles has been completed.[10]

At Eurosatory 2014, Nexter unveiled improvements to the VBCI IFV variant following trials. The rear wheels have steering to reduce its turning radius to 20 meters, and rear internal volume was increased by moving electrical equipment to the front of the vehicle. To make room for the equipment, the driver's seat was pulled back and two sloping angles were added to the front end for the driver to maintain visibility.[11] In September 2014, the French Army Procurement Agency (DGA) declared the qualification of a new version of the VBCI with a 32-ton gross vehicle weight, compared to 29 tons previously. The increase in gross weight allows the vehicle to have better protection and preserves its capability to be upgraded.[12] The 32-ton configuration will be delivered to the French armed forces starting in 2015.[13]

United Kingdom

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In July 2014, France agreed to loan 19 VBCIs to the British Army for testing.[14] It had been reported a few months prior that the British Army was interested in the vehicle for its Mechanised Infantry Vehicle program.[15][16] In February 2014, it had also been that the French Army may purchase the British Watchkeeper WK450 unmanned aerial vehicle if the British Army opted for the VBCI.[17] Ultimately, no deal was reached between the two countries. In November 2019, the British Army announced its selection of the Boxer for its MIV program.[18]

Qatar

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In December 2017, during a visit by French President Emmanuel Macron, Qatar announced it intended to purchase 490 Nexter VBCI vehicles.[19][20] Negotiations continue to be under way for the exact loadout of the 490 vehicles, with American, British, French, Norwegian and Belgian firms bidding for turret systems among other systems.[21]

In March 2018, it was reported Kongsberg would supply unmanned medium-calibre turrets and Protector remote weapons stations in the event that Qatar ordered the VBCIs in a contract worth up to US$1.94 billion.[22]

Specifications

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C4ISR

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The VBCI will be completely integrated in the French C4ISR capability. The VCI version will use the SIT (Système d'Information Terminal — The lowest level of C4IST in the French forces), while the VPC will use the SIR (Système d'Information Régimentaire — A higher level in the same system).

The vehicle will be designed to primarily carry soldiers equipped with the FÉLIN system.

DRAGAR turret

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The DRAGAR turret (GIAT Industries) is a single seat modular design turret integrating a 25 mm stabilized gun. Fire control integrates a laser rangefinder and a thermal camera. The rate of fire is up to 400 rounds/min, and the turret allows anti-air self-defence. It also includes a coaxial 7.62 mm machine gun for close defence and a Galix grenade launching system. The turret adds 2,000 kilograms (4,400 lb) to a vehicle's weight.[23]

Variants

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French variants

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A VBCI on display
  • VCI (infantry fighting vehicle): Combat group of 9 men (+ crew of 2), medium calibre Dragar type turret (25 mm), 7.62 mm machine gun.
  • VPC (command post vehicle): 2 SIP stations with 7 men (+ crew), self-defence turret armed with a 12.7 mm machine gun.
  • VBCI 32T: The 32T variant has been developed to increase protection against improvised explosive devices as well as to facilitate the preservation of the vehicle's scalability and its adaptation to future needs. It possesses a centralized tire inflation system and a reinforced undercarriage, leading to the increase of the gross vehicle weight from 29 tons to 32 tons. Many VCI and VPC were thus delivered in this variant.

Export variants

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  • VTT (troop transport vehicle): It is designed to transport troops. It has an interior volume of 13 m³ and can carry a 2-man crew and up to 10 soldiers with their equipment. The VTT is sized to meet export requirements and is currently being considered by several national armies.

Common features for all variants include SIT (Système d'Information Terminal) communication equipment, combat identification equipment, and NBC detection and protection equipment.

  • VBCI-2

The VBCI 2 is an improved version, intended for export, with a new engine (600 hp Volvo D13 turbocharged diesel engine), new air conditioner, and new optronic sensors. It is heavier (32 t) and the prototype is equipped with a two-man turret integrating the CTA 40CT 40mm autocannon.[24][25]

Operators

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Current operators

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  France (630)
630 VBCI Mk I delivered to the French Army between 2008 and 2018 (520 VCI and 120 VPC).[26]

Potential operators

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  Qatar (120)
In December 2017, a letter of intent between the Qatar and French governments was signed for 490 VBCI. In 2019, the end of negotiations was announced. [27] As of April 2024, KNDS France also offered its turret T40 on the VBCI-2 to Qatar.[28] Discussions for a first batch of 120 VBCI-2 were ongoing.[29]
  Greece (up to 370)
KNDS and Hellenic Defence Systems partnered in 2022 to offer the VBCI Philoctetes to the Hellenic Army.[30] In 2024, more details regarding the potential sale of VBCI were revealed:[29][31]
  • 200 VBCI-2 that would be equipped with the T40 turret (40CTC and the Akeron MP ATGM)
  • 50 VBCI-2 in support configurations (sanitary, artillery observation, command)
  • 120 VBCI, second-hand from the French Army for rapid implementation

Failed bids

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  Bulgaria (183)
In 2017, Bulgaria invited companies to submit offers for a future IFV and other combat support vehicles (reconnaissance, combat engineering, ambulance) based on a 8×8 armoured vehicles. Over time, several offers were made by various competitors (GTK Boxer, Mowag Piranha V, Nexter VBCI 2, Patria AMVXP, Freccia, Otokar Arma, FNSS PARS). The Boxer was eliminated with the VBCI in December 2017 because they did not fulfil the conditions of the program, while the Piranha V and the Patria AMVXP did.
After years of discussions and cancellations, an offer made by General Dynamics Land Systems for a much smaller and cheaper Stryker won the contract in September 2023, 183 vehicles for USD $1.37 billion.[32]
  Denmark (309)
The Piranha V was selected over the CV90 Armadillo the PMMC G5 and the VBCI.[33][34]
  Lithuania
In 2016, the GTK Boxer was selected over the Iveco SUPERAV, the PARS III, the Patria AMV, the Piranha V, the Stryker and the VBCI-2.[35]
  Poland
In 2002, Poland selected the future multi-role vehicle intended to replace the OT-64 SKOT, the BMP-1, some command vehicles, mortar carriers and some armoured engineering vehicles. The competitor for this contract were the Piranha IV, the Pandur 2 (8×8) the Patria AMV, the KTO Ryś 8×8 and the VBCI.
This Patria AMV won the competition, and has been manufactured in Poland under the name KTO Rosomak.[36][37]
  Spain
In 2015, a program to replace the VEC-M1, the BMR-M1 and part of the M113 fleet was launched by the Spanish Army. The competitors were the Boxer, the Freccia, the Patria AMV, the Piranha V, the SEP and the VBCI.[38]
In September 2015, the competition was won by GDELS with the Piranha V.[39] In December 2019, the Spanish Government cancelled the program, and relaunched the competition.[40]
In August 2020, the Piranha V of GDELS Santa Barbara Sistemas in collaboration with Indra Sistemas and Sapa Placencia won again the competition for a first batch of 348 vehicles for €1.74 billion.[41] It is known as the Dragon VCR.
  United Arab Emirates (400)
In 2017, the UAE military ordered 400 Otokar Rabdan 8×8.[42] It was selected over the GTK Boxer, the Patria AMV, the Piranha V and the VBCI in a competition initially intended for 700 vehicles.[43][44]
  United Kingdom (623)
The UK initially participated in the development of the GTK Boxer with Germany and the Netherlands. The collaboration started in 1999. In 2003, the UK decided to leave the development of that vehicle.[45] In 2004, the FRES programme was launched. In June 2007, 3 vehicles were pre-selected for the FRES UV programme, the GTK Boxer, the Piranha V and the VBCI.[46] The Piranha V was selected as preferred bidder in November 2007 and announced in May 2008.[47][48] It wasn't followed by orders due to budget crunch, and as of December 2008, the absence of contract meant that the Piranha V wasn't the preferred bidder anymore.[49]
In 2014, a new programme, the FUV (Future Utility Programme) was launched, and the VBCI was considered again and tested by the UK. But the evaluation didn't lead to te selection of the vehicle.
In 2018, the UK rejoined the Boxer programme through the MIV programme (Mechanised Infantry Vehicle).[50]

Evaluation only

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  Australia
The VBCI participated to the project LAND 400 Phase 2 for the production of the successor of the ASLAV named "CRV". In July 2016, the Boxer and the Patria AMV-35 were pre-selected for a final competition. Among the other competitors were the LAV 6.0 and the Sentinel II (based on the Terrex 2).[51]
  Canada
108 CCV + 30 in option (Close Combat Vehicle) offered by Nexter in association with Bombardier and Raytheon, but the programme was cancelled in 2013.[52]
  Lebanon
68 were considered by Lebanon with financial support from Saudi Arabia as of 2014, but the VBCI wasn't shortlisted.[53]

See also

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Comparable vehicles

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References

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  1. ^ a b c d "Projet de loi de finances pour 2013 : Défense: équipement des forces" (in French). Senate of France. 22 November 2012. Archived from the original on 26 March 2013. Retrieved 7 November 2013.
  2. ^ "Dossier: VBCI" (PDF). Archived from the original (PDF) on 23 July 2011. Retrieved 3 November 2010.
  3. ^ "GTD y NEXTER Systems firman un acuerdo de colaboración para el desarrollo del Futuro Vehículo Blindado 8x8". Archived from the original on 24 May 2009. Retrieved 18 September 2009.
  4. ^ Jane's international defense review: IDR., Volume 37, Issues 1-6. Jane's Information Group. 2004. Retrieved 14 February 2011. It had therefore confined itself to wheeled vehicles in the VBM program and concentrated after 1996 on the development of a single 8x8 IFV, the Vehicule Blinde de Combat d'Infanterie (VBCI).
  5. ^ 1996 RENAULT X8A Archived 4 March 2016 at the Wayback Machine, chars-francais.net
  6. ^ "Drayson: New vehicles will have "vital part to play in the Army of the future"". Archived from the original on 11 July 2007. Retrieved 23 December 2008.
  7. ^ "The DGA delivers the 200th VBCI to the French Army". defpro. 2010. Archived from the original on 17 March 2012. Retrieved 16 June 2010.
  8. ^ "400 VBCI et un millier de PVP livrés à l'armée de Terre". Meretmarine. 2012. Retrieved 14 June 2012.
  9. ^ "Présentation de la formation "VBCI" au 35e régiment d'infanterie".
  10. ^ French army takes delivery of the 500th VBCI 8x8 armoured infantry fighting vehicle Archived 7 October 2013 at the Wayback Machine - Armyrecognition.com, 8 July 2013
  11. ^ Nexter modifies VBCI troop carrier Archived 15 July 2015 at the Wayback Machine - Shephardmedia.com, 18 June 2014
  12. ^ French army procurement agency qualifies new 32 tons variant Nexter VBCI infantry fighting vehicle Archived 5 October 2014 at the Wayback Machine - Armyrecognition.com, 2 October 2014
  13. ^ French Defense Procurement Agency Qualifies the 32 Tons VBCI Armored Vehicle Archived 6 October 2014 at the Wayback Machine - Deagel.com, 2 October 2014
  14. ^ "19 VBCI et 2 CAESAR mis à disposition de la British Army, sur le sol français, pour six mois". Ouest France. 4 July 2014.
  15. ^ UK; Army to field test French VBCI AFV Archived 1 March 2014 at the Wayback Machine - Dmilt.com, 24 February 2014
  16. ^ British Army could be interested to purchase Nexter VBCI 8x8 armoured infantry fighting vehicle Archived 3 March 2014 at the Wayback Machine - Armyrecognition.com, 2 February 2014
  17. ^ France negotiates acquisition of Watchkeeper drones against purchase of VBCI armoured by UK Archived 14 July 2015 at the Wayback Machine - Armyrecognition.com, 20 February 2014
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  25. ^ "VBCI 2". military-today.com. Archived from the original on 31 March 2019. Retrieved 31 March 2019.
  26. ^ Valpolini, Paolo (15 May 2023). "DEFEA 2023 - Nexter further details its Philoctetes 8x8 offer for Greece following a demonstration in France". EDR Magazine. Retrieved 3 July 2024.
  27. ^ "The possible sale of 120 VBCI 2 to Qatar could lead to others in the short term". meta-defense.fr. 24 April 2024. Retrieved 3 July 2024.
  28. ^ Manuel, Rojoef (6 March 2024). "Nexter Offers Latest VBCI Infantry Fighting Vehicle to Qatar". The Defense Post. Retrieved 26 June 2024.
  29. ^ a b "Le Qatar pourrait acheter 120 véhicules blindés VBCI fabriqués par KNDS France". La Tribune (in French). 24 April 2024. Retrieved 26 June 2024.
  30. ^ "Nexter and Hellenic Defence Systems partner to offer VBCI-2 to Greece". Default. 5 April 2022. Retrieved 26 June 2024.
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  32. ^ Adamowski, Jaroslaw (25 September 2023). "Bulgarian government approves $1.37 billion Stryker order". Defense News. Retrieved 1 October 2023.
  33. ^ Eshel, Tamir (2 May 2015). "Denmark to buy hundreds of Swiss Piranha 5 APCs to replace aeging M-113s - Defense Update". Retrieved 26 June 2024.
  34. ^ "Deliveries of «Piranha 5» armored vehicles for Denmark will commence in 2018".
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  37. ^ "Technical Evaluation of APC Chassis" (PDF). yadda.icm.edu.pl.
  38. ^ Villarejo, Esteban (22 August 2015). "GD Favored To Win Spanish Armored Vehicle Contract". Defense News. Retrieved 1 October 2023.
  39. ^ "Spain selects Piranha 5 as new 8×8 armoured infantry vehicle".
  40. ^ admin (29 December 2019). "Spanish Government Cancels â'¬2.1 Billion Piranha 5 Contract". MilitaryLeak. Retrieved 1 October 2023.
  41. ^ Editorial, Defense Brief (25 August 2020). "Spain hands out $2.06 billion contract for Dragon VCR 8x8 vehicles". Defense Brief. Retrieved 1 October 2023.
  42. ^ "UAE confirms order Rabdan new 8×8 armoured vehicles with Russian-produced combat turret".
  43. ^ "Commande militaire de blindés par l'armée des Emirats Arabes Unis : Nexter Systems de nouveau dans la course". Challenges (in French). 26 December 2012. Retrieved 26 June 2024.
  44. ^ "UAE: Patria, BTR, VBCI and tender for armored vehicles". Tactical Report. 15 May 2012. Retrieved 26 June 2024.
  45. ^ Written Answers for 17 July 2003 House of Commons Hansard - URL accessed on 2 May 2006
  46. ^ "Drayson: New vehicles will have "vital part to play in the Army of the future"". mod.uk. 8 June 2007. Archived from the original on 11 July 2007.
  47. ^ "Ministry of Defence | Defence News | Drayson: New vehicles will have "vital part to play in the Army of the future"". Archived from the original on 11 July 2007.
  48. ^ "Design selected for future armoured vehicle for British Army (FRES)". mod.uk. 8 May 2008. Archived from the original on 12 May 2008.
  49. ^ "House of Commons Hansard Ministerial Statements for 11 Dec 2008 (pt 0001)". parliament.uk. Retrieved 4 August 2016.
  50. ^ Ministry of Defence and Guto Bebb (31 March 2018). "British Army re-joins Boxer programme in step towards new armoured vehicles" (Press release). UK Government. Retrieved 1 April 2018.
  51. ^ Eshel, Tamir (28 July 2016). "Australia Shortlists Boxer, AMV-35 for Future Combat Recce Vehicle - Defense Update". Retrieved 3 July 2024.
  52. ^ "Canada : L'armée annule l'achat de véhicules blindés, évalué à 2 milliards de dollar. Nexter était en compétition" [Canada: Army cancels $2 billion purchase of armored vehicles. Nexter was in competition] (in French). Archived from the original on 21 February 2016.
  53. ^ "Blindés : Nexter recalé au Liban". Les Echos (in French). 18 June 2014. Retrieved 26 June 2024.
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