VBCI explained

VBCI
Origin:France
Type:Infantry fighting vehicle
Wars:War in Afghanistan
Operation Serval
Is Vehicle:yes
Is Uk:yes
Service:2008–present
Used By:France
Designer:GIAT Industries
Renault Trucks Defense
Design Date:2000–2007
Manufacturer:GIAT Industries
Renault Trucks Defense
Unit Cost:VCI: €3.49m (FY2012)
VPC: €2.74m (FY2012)
Production Date:2008–2018
Number:630 (510 VCI and 120 VPC)
Length:7.6 m
Width:2.98 m
Height:3 m
Weight:VCI: 28.5 t–32 t (normal combat load)
VPC: 28.5 t–32 t (normal combat load)
Suspension:Wheel
Speed:100km/h
Vehicle Range:750km (470miles)
Primary Armament:GIAT modèle M811 25 mm autocannon (400 rounds/ minute)[1]
Secondary Armament:co-axial 7.62 mm machine gun
Armour:Protection against 14.5 mm API[2]
Engine:Renault Diesel
Engine Power:550 hp (410 kW)
Crew:2 + 9-man combat group

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.[3] 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.

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

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.[4]

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.[5]

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.[6] 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.

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

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

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

C4ISR

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

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 2000kg (4,000lb) to a vehicle's weight.[23]

Variants

French variants

Export variants

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

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

Current operators

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

    Potential operators

    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:[31] [32]

    Failed bids

    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.[33]
    (309)
  • The Piranha V was selected over the CV90 Armadillo the PMMC G5 and the VBCI.[34] [35]
    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.[36]
    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.[37] [38]
    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.[39]
  • In September 2015, the competition was won by GDELS with the Piranha V.[40] In December 2019, the Spanish Government cancelled the program, and relaunched the competition.[41]
  • 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.[42] It is known as the Dragon VCR.
    United Arab Emirates (400)
  • In 2017, the UAE military ordered 400 Otokar Rabdan 8×8.[43] It was selected over the GTK Boxer, the Patria AMV, the Piranha V and the VBCI in a competition initially intended for 700 vehicles.[44] [45]
    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.[46] 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.[47] The Piranha V was selected as preferred bidder in November 2007 and announced in May 2008.[48] [49] 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.[50]
  • 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).[51]

    Evaluation only

    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).[52]
  • 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.[53]
    Lebanon
  • 68 were considered by Lebanon with financial support from Saudi Arabia as of 2014, but the VBCI wasn't shortlisted.[54]

    See also

    Comparable vehicles

    External links

    Notes and References

    1. Web site: GTD y NEXTER Systems firman un acuerdo de colaboración para el desarrollo del Futuro Vehículo Blindado 8x8 . live . https://web.archive.org/web/20090524164929/http://www.infodefensa.com/esp/noticias/noticias.asp?cod=1330 . 24 May 2009 . 18 September 2009.
    2. Web site: Dossier: VBCI . 2010-11-03 . https://web.archive.org/web/20110723004228/http://www.air-defense.net/pdf/VBCI.pdf . 23 July 2011 .
    3. Book: Jane's international defense review: IDR., Volume 37, Issues 1-6. 2004. Jane's Information Group. 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)..
    4. http://www.chars-francais.net/2015/index.php/10-archives/de-1990-nos-jours/1580-1996-renault-x8a 1996 RENAULT X8A
    5. Web site: Drayson: New vehicles will have "vital part to play in the Army of the future" . 23 December 2008 . https://web.archive.org/web/20070711050356/http://www.mod.uk/DefenceInternet/DefenceNews/EquipmentAndLogistics/DraysonNewVehiclesWillHavevitalPartToPlayInTheArmyOfTheFuture.htm . 11 July 2007 . live .
    6. Web site: Projet de loi de finances pour 2013 : Défense: équipement des forces . fr . Senate of France . 22 November 2012 . 2013-11-07 . https://web.archive.org/web/20130326234111/http://www.senat.fr/rap/a12-150-8/a12-150-815.html#toc290 . 26 March 2013 . live .
    7. Web site: The DGA delivers the 200th VBCI to the French Army . defpro . 2010 . 2010-06-16 . https://web.archive.org/web/20120317030646/http://www.defpro.com/news/details/16099/ . 17 March 2012 .
    8. Web site: 400 VBCI et un millier de PVP livrés à l'armée de Terre . Meretmarine . 2012. 2012-06-14.
    9. Présentation de la formation "VBCI" au 35e régiment d'infanterie.
    10. http://www.armyrecognition.com/july_2013_news_defence_security_industry_military/french_army_takes_delivery_of_the_500th_vbci_8x8_armoured_infantry_fighting_vehicle_0807132.html French army takes delivery of the 500th VBCI 8x8 armoured infantry fighting vehicle
    11. http://www.shephardmedia.com/news/landwarfareintl/eurosatory-nexter-modifies-vbci-troop-carrier/ Nexter modifies VBCI troop carrier
    12. http://www.armyrecognition.com/october_2014_global_defense_security_news_uk/french_army_procurement_agency_qualifies_new_32_tons_variant_nexter_vbci_infantry_fighting_vehicle_0.html French army procurement agency qualifies new 32 tons variant Nexter VBCI infantry fighting vehicle
    13. http://www.deagel.com/news/French-Defense-Procurement-Agency-Qualifies-the-32-Tons-VBCI-Armored-Vehicle_n000013200.aspx French Defense Procurement Agency Qualifies the 32 Tons VBCI Armored Vehicle
    14. News: 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. http://dmilt.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=9352:uk-army-to-field-test-french-vbci-afv-&catid=1:europe&Itemid=57 UK; Army to field test French VBCI AFV
    16. http://www.armyrecognition.com/february_2014_global_defense_security_news_uk/british_army_could_be_interested_to_purchase_nexter_vbci_8x8_armoured_infantry_fighting_vehicle_0202.html British Army could be interested to purchase Nexter VBCI 8x8 armoured infantry fighting vehicle
    17. http://www.armyrecognition.com/february_2014_global_defense_security_news_uk/france_negotiates_acquisition_of_watchkeeper_drones_against_purchase_of_vbci_armoured_by_uk_2002143.html France negotiates acquisition of Watchkeeper drones against purchase of VBCI armoured by UK
    18. News: BOXER for the British Army . British Army . 5 November 2019.
    19. Web site: Lamigeon. Vincent. Rafale, blindés VBCI: le Qatar, nouveau paradis des vendeurs d'armes français. Challenges. 26 December 2017. https://archive.today/20171226215427/https://www.challenges.fr/entreprise/defense/rafale-blindes-vbci-le-qatar-nouveau-paradis-des-vendeurs-d-armes-francais_518447. 26 December 2017. fr. 7 December 2017. live.
    20. Web site: Blandin. Laetitia. VBCI sets new major milestones in Qatar. Nexter Group. 26 December 2017. https://archive.today/20171226215603/http://www.nexter-group.fr/en/component/content/article/773-le-vbci-franchit-des-nouveaux-jalons-majeurs-au-qatar. 26 December 2017. Versailles-Satory. 19 December 2017. live.
    21. Web site: Tran. Pierre. Qatar to negotiate with Nexter for armored vehicles, add-ons. Defense News. 26 December 2017. https://archive.today/20171226215907/https://www.defensenews.com/land/2017/12/11/qatar-to-negotiate-with-nexter-for-armored-vehicles-add-ons/. 26 December 2017. Paris. 11 December 2017. live.
    22. Web site: Bingham. James. DIMDEX 2018: Kongsberg selected for Qatari VBCI turrets. IHS Jane's 360. 15 March 2018. https://web.archive.org/web/20180314004639/http://www.janes.com/article/78550/dimdex-2018-kongsberg-selected-for-qatari-vbci-turrets. 14 March 2018. London. 13 March 2018. live.
    23. Web site: Method of Estimating the Principal Characteristics of an Infantry Fighting Vehicle from Basic Performance Requirements. INSTITUTE FOR DEFENSE ANALYSES. David R. Gillingham . Prashant R. Patel. 2019-04-28. 35. https://web.archive.org/web/20190429022538/https://apps.dtic.mil/dtic/tr/fulltext/u2/a586994.pdf. 2019-04-29. live.
    24. Web site: DSEI 2015: Nexter Systems pins export hopes on VBCI-2. Christopher F.. Foss. IHS Jane's Defence Weekly. 15 September 2015. https://web.archive.org/web/20150917011025/https://www.janes.com/article/54313/dsei-2015-nexter-systems-pins-export-hopes-on-vbci-2. 17 September 2015.
    25. Web site: VBCI 2. military-today.com. 31 March 2019. https://web.archive.org/web/20190331204905/http://www.military-today.com/apc/vbci_2.htm. 31 March 2019. live.
    26. Web site: Valpolini . Paolo . 2023-05-15 . DEFEA 2023 - Nexter further details its Philoctetes 8x8 offer for Greece following a demonstration in France . 2024-07-03 . EDR Magazine . en-GB.
    27. Web site: 2024-04-24 . The possible sale of 120 VBCI 2 to Qatar could lead to others in the short term. . 2024-07-03 . meta-defense.fr . en.
    28. Web site: Manuel . Rojoef . 2024-03-06 . Nexter Offers Latest VBCI Infantry Fighting Vehicle to Qatar . 2024-06-26 . The Defense Post . en-us.
    29. Web site: 2024-04-24 . Le Qatar pourrait acheter 120 véhicules blindés VBCI fabriqués par KNDS France . 2024-06-26 . La Tribune . fr.
    30. Web site: 2022-04-05 . Nexter and Hellenic Defence Systems partner to offer VBCI-2 to Greece . 2024-06-26 . Default . en.
    31. Web site: 2024-04-24 . Le Qatar pourrait acheter 120 véhicules blindés VBCI fabriqués par KNDS France . 2024-06-26 . La Tribune . fr.
    32. Web site: 2024-03-05 . 370 VBCI Philoctete and used from Nexter for Greece? . 2024-06-26 . meta-defense.fr . en.
    33. Web site: Adamowski . Jaroslaw . 2023-09-25 . Bulgarian government approves $1.37 billion Stryker order . 2023-10-01 . Defense News . en.
    34. Web site: Eshel . Tamir . 2015-05-02 . Denmark to buy hundreds of Swiss Piranha 5 APCs to replace aeging M-113s - Defense Update: . 2024-06-26 . en-US.
    35. https://defence-blog.com/deliveries-of-piranha-5-armored-vehicles-for-denmark-will-commence-in-2018/
    36. Web site: Barreira . Victor M. S. . 2016-01-21 . Lithuania selects German GTK Boxer AFV . 2024-06-26 . Defence IQ . en.
    37. Web site: Poland Orders Additional 200 Rosomak Armored Vehicles . 2023-10-01 . www.defensemirror.com.
    38. https://yadda.icm.edu.pl/baztech/element/bwmeta1.element.baztech-article-BUJ7-0018-0032/c/httpwww_bg_utp_edu_plartjok12009jo20kones20200920no20120vol201620dziubak.pdf
    39. Web site: Villarejo . Esteban . 2015-08-22 . GD Favored To Win Spanish Armored Vehicle Contract . 2023-10-01 . Defense News . en.
    40. https://defence-blog.com/spain-selects-piranha-5-as-new-8x8-armoured-infantry-vehicle/
    41. Web site: admin . 2019-12-29 . Spanish Government Cancels â'¬2.1 Billion Piranha 5 Contract . 2023-10-01 . MilitaryLeak . en-US.
    42. Web site: Editorial . Defense Brief . 2020-08-25 . Spain hands out $2.06 billion contract for Dragon VCR 8x8 vehicles . 2023-10-01 . Defense Brief . en-US.
    43. https://defence-blog.com/uae-confirms-order-rabdan-new-8x8-armoured-vehicles-with-russian-produced-combat-turret/
    44. Web site: 2012-12-26 . Commande militaire de blindés par l'armée des Emirats Arabes Unis : Nexter Systems de nouveau dans la course . 2024-06-26 . Challenges . fr.
    45. Web site: 2012-05-15 . UAE: Patria, BTR, VBCI and tender for armored vehicles . 2024-06-26 . Tactical Report . en.
    46. https://publications.parliament.uk/pa/cm200203/cmhansrd/vo030717/wmstext/30717m05.htm#30717m05.html_spmin5 Written Answers for 17 July 2003
    47. Web site: 8 June 2007 . Drayson: New vehicles will have "vital part to play in the Army of the future" . dead . https://web.archive.org/web/20070711050356/http://www.mod.uk/DefenceInternet/DefenceNews/EquipmentAndLogistics/DraysonNewVehiclesWillHavevitalPartToPlayInTheArmyOfTheFuture.htm . 11 July 2007 . mod.uk.
    48. http://www.mod.uk/DefenceInternet/DefenceNews/EquipmentAndLogistics/DraysonNewVehiclesWillHavevitalPartToPlayInTheArmyOfTheFuture.htm Ministry of Defence | Defence News | Drayson: New vehicles will have "vital part to play in the Army of the future"
    49. Web site: 8 May 2008 . Design selected for future armoured vehicle for British Army (FRES) . dead . https://web.archive.org/web/20080512164814/http://www.mod.uk/DefenceInternet/DefenceNews/EquipmentAndLogistics/DesignSelectedForFutureArmouredVehicleForBritishArmyfres.htm . 12 May 2008 . mod.uk.
    50. Web site: House of Commons Hansard Ministerial Statements for 11 Dec 2008 (pt 0001) . 4 August 2016 . parliament.uk.
    51. Ministry of Defence and Guto Bebb . British Army re-joins Boxer programme in step towards new armoured vehicles . UK Government . 31 March 2018 . 1 April 2018.
    52. Web site: Eshel . Tamir . 2016-07-28 . Australia Shortlists Boxer, AMV-35 for Future Combat Recce Vehicle - Defense Update: . 2024-07-03 . en-US.
    53. http://theatrum-belli.org/canada-larmee-annule-lachat-de-vehicules-blindes-evalue-a-2-milliards-de-dollar-nexter-etait-en-competition/
    54. Web site: 2014-06-18 . Blindés : Nexter recalé au Liban . 2024-06-26 . Les Echos . fr.

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