VBCI MKII (Véhicule Blindé de Combat d’Infanterie), the latest evolution of the combat-proven French Infantry Fighting Vehicle (IFV), claimed its own special position in the wheeled vehicles section of KNDS pavilion during the EUROSATORY 2024 exhibition. 

As the only native IFV in France, VBCI has proven itself in numerous combat operations, and for that reason, it has become the main IFV of the French Army. Currently, 630 units are in service in the French Army, while the vehicle has served in Afghanistan, Lebanon, Mali, and the Central African Republic.

According to the company, the MKII version has taken advantage of the lessons learned from these engagements to offer major improvements. VBCI MKII can be equipped with a large variety of turrets with cannons ranging from 25 mm up to 105 mm for high-intensity operations.

As the most versatile combat system of its generation, it can accommodate several variants, including:

• Infantry Fighting Vehicle (IFV) with either 25 mm or 30mm RWS, or the RCT 40 mm turret
• Armored Fighting Vehicle (AFV) with turrets armed with guns ranging from 40 to 105 mm 
• Armored Personnel Carrier (APC) with a 12,7 or 20 mm RWS
• Self-Propelled 120 mm Mortar Carrier (SPM)
• Command Post
• Armored Ambulance
• Armored Recovery Vehicle.

In EUROSATORY 2024, its configuration featured an electronic, open-architecture Battle Management System, ready to be connected with all available C41 systems. This 8-wheel drive platform incorporates a 600 hp diesel engine along with an automatic gearbox (7+2).

Also read: Hellenic Defence Systems | Memorandum with French Nexter for the co-production of Armored Vehicle platform

Further to these, the system provides the driver with 180° (day/night vision) and the Commander with 360° (day/night vision).

VBCI specifications:

• Armament: From 12,7 mm RWS to 105 mm turret (RWS 0,5, ARX20, ARX25, one-man 25 mm turret, 30 mm, 40 CTA, 105 mm turret, Mortar, Anti-Tank missiles)
• Weight: Empty: 19 tons / Combat mission: 31 tons
• Payload: Up to 13 tons
• Protection: Modular Ballistic protection up to level 6 / add-on armor plates / Mines/IED’s: Superior to STANAG 4569 AEP 55 Level 4 / Mine blast absorption modules / Anti-blast seat / anti-RPG kit optionally / Periscopes / Fire suppression system / Missile protection: Infrared decoy (optional) / Smoke grenade launcher (optional).
• Length: < 8 meters
• Width: < 3 meters 
• Height: < 2.5 meters 
• Transport capacity: up to 11 soldiers
• Speed: 100 km/h  
• Range: 750 km 
• Fording: 80 cm  
• Trench: 2 meters
• Strategic transport: Road / Rail / Air transportable (C-17, A-400M)

Also read: DEFEA 2023 | Nexter presents different versions of VBCI PHILOCTETES

In the meantime, KNDS has not only been in advanced negotiations for supplying at least 200 VBCI Philoctetes armored vehicles to the Hellenic Army but has made a holistic offer, reaching out to the Hellenic Ministry of Defence.

As we were informed during EUROSATORY 2024 by KNDS executives, the submitted offer includes a comprehensive proposal for the acquisition of VBCI Philoctetes 8×8 vehicles accompanied by an additional 50 specialized IFVs to fulfill various operational roles such as administrative support, medical units, Mobile Repair Teams (MRT), and artillery observers, aimed at meeting the existing operational needs of the Hellenic Army. 

KNDS’ proposal outlines a financing package from French financial institutions backed by state guarantees, while it details the procurement of 200 VBCI Philoctetes wheeled IFVs for the Hellenic Army, along with the supply of VBCIs, which currently serve in the inventories of the French Army, as an interim solution. 

Particularly, the interim solution offered suggests the immediate delivery of 120 used VBCIs from the reserves of the French Army, leading to a total acquisition of 370 IFVs, with 200 being newly manufactured units. The proposal emphasizes the involvement of the Hellenic defence industry in the project, with METKA, Miltech, and Hellenic Defense Systems (EAS) playing key roles in the domestic co-production with full technology transport to the Hellenic defence ecosystem, especially in the domain of robotics.

The proposal also outlines a comprehensive support, maintenance, training, and package, ensuring the Hellenic Army’s self-sufficiency in vehicle maintenance. 

The Hellenic Army General Staff views the proposal favorably, particularly due to the advanced features of the IFV Philoctetes, while it is the intent of KNDS that the Republic of Cyprus shall also join this endeavor in view of a future, common procurement.

Also read: “Philoctetes” | Nexter’s solution for the Infantry of the future

Stay tuned to DEFENCE ReDEFiNED for the exclusive weapon system presentations at EUROSATORY 2024 that we are preparing between them and the entire range of armored vehicles from KNDS.