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2018-01-01

VBCI Offers Perfect Balance Between Protection, Firepower and Payload

Nexter Group recently announced the success of the new VBCI evaluation campaign in the Middle East. The shots, carried out in different weapon system configurations, highlighted the performances and ergonomic qualities of the 40mm turret equipped with the 40CTA telescopic gun. This marked another important step towards signing the contract for the supply of VBCI combat platforms with a Middle East country.

This campaign began a few days before the signing, December 7, of the letter of intent for the acquisition of 490 VBCI. This signature is an export recognition of Nexter Group’s know-how and quality of products and represents a major step forward in the commercial action, which begun several years ago with a target date of 2018.

Stéphane Mayer, Chairman and CEO of Nexter, said he was “proud of the confidence of the Middle Eastern armed forces and committed, as well as the entire Group, to finalise the contract in the near future.”

Technology Evolutions

The VBCI is designed as an 8x8 armoured frontline combat vehicle that can deliver an infantry section onto a heavily defended position. As a result of the platform’s flexibility, it is also able to perform a full range of missions effectively, from high-intensity combat to peacekeeping. The VBCI provides the perfect balance between protection, firepower and payload.

Over 600 units have been delivered, and the VBCI has earned an enviable reputation as the French Army’s principal combat platform during all its recent expeditionary campaigns. From Afghanistan to Mali and Central African Republic, the VBCI’s reliability, protection, mobility and crew comfort have stood up to the test posed by the most demanding of operational environments. As part of Operation Serval, the VBCI spearheaded the projection of French Forces into Mali over a distance of 2,400 km in four days. Also, it was deployed in the UAE, during the Gulf Falcon international military exercise led by the French Army.

The VBCI now features key technology evolutions on the VBCI platform currently in service with the French Army, notably in the areas of protection, engine power, payload and supportability.

“The VBCI is today one of the most reliable and mature 8x8 Infantry Fighting Vehicles on the market. It also spearheads Nexter’s offering in the Middle East,” said Mike Duckworth, Vice President Marketing and Sales. “This unrivalled fighting vehicle provides our customers with the ability to dominate the battlefield, not just today but will also do so for decades to come. The combination of the VBCI and the T40 CTA turret with AntiTank Guided Missiles is a real game changer that sets a new pace for the toughest operations”.

Effective solutions

Nexter recently displayed its latest technologies in Colombia at the Expodefensa exhibition. Currently present in several theatres of operation, notably in Iraq within the Wagram Task Force, the CAESAR self-propelled 155mm artillery system was present on both the Nexter and French Army booths, with two models, one on a 6x6 chassis and the other on an 8x8 chassis. The CAESAR currently appears to represent the best compromise between the simplicity of a towed artillery piece and the mobility of a self-propelled system. Its firepower, reliability and low maintenance cost position it as a particularly effective product, irrespective of the environment in which it operates. A model of the 105 LG1, the 105mm towed artillery system, completed the presentation of the Nexter artillery range. Deployable by a lightweight vehicle, helicopter or even by parachute drop, the 105 LG1 gun is the world’s lightest 105mm assault artillery piece and is ideal for providing gunfire support to rapid reaction forces.

The air-land weapon systems, based on the 20mm cannon, designed to be easy to integrate and reliable, were also featured on the Nexter booth with the NC 621 cannon pod for helicopters and light aircraft.

This system meets the needs of forces for close-range air-air and air-ground fire support. Mounted in nacelle in almost 15 types of helicopter and aircraft, the cannon mounted in the NC 621 pod has proved its effectiveness. The SH20, which was also in display, can be installed on all types of multi-mission helicopter for both self-defence and air-ground fire support. This system differs from the others by its retractable function, allowing a stealthy approach and providing greater firepower beyond the range of heavy machine guns.

The Group also presented its range of ammunition dedicated to tanks (90 mm), artillery systems (155mm and 105mm), naval systems (76mm) and all medium-calibre systems in land, aeronautical and naval components.

Nexter, the leading French land defence company, and third European player in the ammunition sector, is part of the KNDS Group. It is dedicated to meeting the needs of the French land forces and of nations on an international scale.

The scope of its business includes the supply of weapon systems and ammunition for air and naval forces. Nexter also provides systems and protection solutions in the field of homeland security. The group’s range of products includes ARAVIS, TITUS and VBCI armoured vehicles, CAESAR, TRAJAN and 105LG1 artillery systems, smart ammunition (BONUS), as well as customer service and support.

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