VBCI

VBCI
Company type	Infantry fighting vehicle
Industry	Defense
Predecessor	AMX-10P
Founded	2000
Founder	GIAT Industries (now Nexter Systems) and Renault Trucks Defense (now Arquus)
Headquarters	France
Products	Infantry fighting vehicle
Parent	Nexter Systems, Arquus

The véhicule blindé de combat d'infanterie (VBCI) is a French infantry fighting vehicle developed collaboratively by GIAT Industries (currently Nexter Systems) and Renault Trucks Defense (now Arquus) to succeed the AMX-10P. The French Army first deployed the VBCI in 2008, with a total of 630 units delivered by 2018. This platform is available in two primary configurations: the infantry fighting vehicle variant, known as VCI, and the command post vehicle, designated VPC.

The VBCI features an aluminium chassis reinforced with modular THD steel and titanium armor, allowing for upgrades in protection while in the field. Its 8x8 wheeled architecture was chosen to improve crew comfort, lower maintenance demands during operations, and offer mobility that complements the Leclerc tank. Additionally, the design facilitates transportation by the Airbus A400M aircraft.

History

During the early 1990s, France launched the VBM (Véhicule Blindé Modulaire—Modular Armoured Vehicle) initiative aimed at replacing aging infantry fighting vehicles. Initially, Germany and the United Kingdom participated, and at Eurosatory 1996, Renault introduced the X8A prototype featuring eight wheels.

By 1999, progress on this multinational effort had stalled, prompting France to continue independently and place an order for 700 vehicles in November 2000. Between 2003 and 2004, critical milestones were achieved through successful testing of mobility, armor protection, and electronic systems. Trials involving five prototypes—four VCIs and one VPC—conducted from 2004 to 2005 identified significant design issues with the DRAGAR turret, resulting in a two-year redesign delay.

Throughout development, feasibility assessments considered additional variants equipped with mortars or MILAN missiles; however, none proceeded to production. In June 2007, the VBCI was evaluated as a candidate for the British Future Rapid Effect System (FRES) program.

France initially planned procurement of 550 VCI units alongside 150 VPC command vehicles but later reduced these figures to 510 and 120 respectively, with deliveries extending up to 2015. The entire program budgeted at €3.49 billion (FY2012) produced 630 vehicles, costing approximately €3.49 million (~US$4.8 million) per VCI and €2.74 million (~US$3.7 million) per VPC; including development expenses, the average unit cost rose to about €5.5 million (~US$7.4 million).

Deliveries milestones included the 200th vehicle in June 2010, followed by the 400th in June 2012, and the 500th by July 2013—which completed supply of all 110 command post variants. The first operational unit furnished with the VBCI was the 35th Infantry Regiment based in Belfort.

At Eurosatory 2014, Nexter unveiled enhancements to the IFV version of the VBCI: rear-wheel steering decreased the turning radius to 20 meters; internal space was expanded by shifting electrical components forward; driver visibility improved through seat repositioning and adjustments to front panel angles. In September of that year, France’s Procurement Agency (DGA) certified an upgraded model with gross vehicle weight increased from 29 to 32 tons, allowing for enhanced protection and future upgrades. Deliveries of this version commenced in 2015.

United Kingdom

In July 2014, France provided the British Army with 19 VBCI vehicles on loan for evaluation purposes, reflecting earlier British interest for their Mechanised Infantry Vehicle program. Discussions also touched upon a potential French acquisition of the British Watchkeeper WK450 UAV contingent on UK procurement of the VBCI. Ultimately, no agreement was reached; in November 2019, the British Army selected the Boxer as its MIV solution.

Qatar

In December 2017, Qatar revealed its intention to acquire 490 Nexter VBCI armored vehicles during the official visit of French President Emmanuel Macron. The discussions have concentrated on finalizing the vehicle configurations, with turret system and component proposals submitted by companies from the United States, United Kingdom, France, Norway, and Belgium. By March 2018, it was reported that Kongsberg would provide unmanned medium-calibre turrets along with Protector remote weapon stations if Qatar proceeded with the deal, which could reach a value of up to US$1.94 billion.

C4ISR

The VBCI is seamlessly integrated within the French C4ISR network. The infantry fighting vehicle (VCI) variant utilizes the SIT (Système d'Information Terminal), representing the basic C4ISR tier in French military operations, whereas the command post vehicle (VPC) employs the more advanced SIR (Système d'Information Régimentaire).

This platform is primarily engineered to transport troops equipped with the FÉLIN combat system.

DRAGAR turret

The DRAGAR turret (GIAT Industries) features a modular, single-operator design armed with a stabilized 25 mm cannon. Its fire control suite includes a laser rangefinder and thermal imaging camera, capable of firing at rates up to 400 rounds per minute. The turret supports anti-aircraft self-defense capabilities and is complemented by a coaxial 7.62 mm machine gun and a Galix grenade launcher. This turret adds roughly 2,000 kilograms to the vehicle’s total weight.

French variants

VCI (infantry fighting vehicle): Accommodates 9 infantrymen plus 2 crew members, equipped with a medium-calibre Dragar turret (25 mm) and a 7.62 mm machine gun.
VPC (command post vehicle): Outfitted with two SIP stations, carries 7 personnel plus crew, armed with a self-defense turret mounting a 12.7 mm machine gun.
VBCI 32T: Features enhanced protection against improvised explosive devices through a reinforced underbody and centralized tire inflation system, increasing gross weight from 29 to 32 tons. Numerous VCI and VPC units have been delivered in this upgraded configuration.

Export variants

VTT (troop transport vehicle): Designed for personnel transport with an internal volume of 13 m³, accommodating 2 crew members and up to 10 fully equipped soldiers. This version is tailored for export markets and is under evaluation by several foreign armed forces.

All models are equipped with SIT communication systems, combat identification technology, and NBC detection and protection capabilities.

VBCI-2

An advanced export model featuring a 600 hp Volvo D13 turbocharged diesel engine, enhanced air conditioning systems, and state-of-the-art optronic sensors. Weighing in at 32 tons, it incorporates a two-man turret armed with the CTA 40CT 40 mm autocannon.

Current operators

(630): The French Army received 630 VBCI Mk I vehicles between 2008 and 2018, comprising 520 VCI infantry fighting vehicles and 120 VPC command post variants.

Potential operators

(up to 370)

In 2022, KNDS joined forces with Hellenic Defence Systems to propose the VBCI Philoctetes for the Hellenic Army. By 2024, details surfaced regarding a prospective acquisition including:

200 VBCI-2 units fitted with T40 turrets (40CTC cannon and Akeron MP anti-tank guided missiles)
50 VBCI-2 configured for support roles such as medical evacuation, artillery observation, and command
120 pre-owned VBCI vehicles from the French Army intended for rapid deployment

This procurement initiative was officially confirmed in April 2025.

The Irish Defence Forces aim to modernize their fleet by replacing approximately 80 Piranha III and 27 RG-32 vehicles. Candidates under consideration include:

Mowag Eagle V
Mowag Piranha V
VBMR-L Serval
VBCI
Boxer

Ireland plans to acquire around 100 vehicles within an estimated budget of €400 million; however, specific procurement details have yet to be finalized.

(120): In December 2017, Qatar and France signed a letter of intent for acquiring up to 490 VBCI units. Negotiations concluded in 2019. By April 2024, KNDS France proposed equipping Qatar’s fleet with T40 turrets on the VBCI-2 platform, with ongoing discussions targeting an initial delivery of approximately 120 vehicles.

Unsuccessful procurements

(183): In 2017, Bulgaria issued a request for proposals concerning infantry fighting and combat support vehicles built on 8×8 armored chassis. The contenders were the GTK Boxer, Mowag Piranha V, Nexter VBCI 2, Patria AMV^XP, Freccia IFV, Otokar Arma, and FNSS PARS. By December 2017, the Boxer and VBCI were removed from consideration; the Piranha V and Patria AMV proceeded further. Following extended negotiations, General Dynamics Land Systems secured the contract in September 2023 with a $1.37 billion deal for 183 Stryker vehicles.

(309): Denmark opted for the Mowag Piranha V, choosing it over alternatives such as the CV90 Armadillo, PMMC G5, and VBCI.

: In 2016, Lithuania selected the GTK Boxer after evaluating options including the Iveco SUPERAV, FNSS PARS III, Patria AMV, Piranha V, Stryker, and VBCI-2.

: Poland’s 2002 competition for multi-role vehicles featured entries like Piranha IV, Pandur II (8×8), Patria AMV, KTO Ryś 8×8, and VBCI. The Patria AMV emerged victorious and is manufactured domestically as the KTO Rosomak.

: Spain initiated a program in 2015 aimed at replacing multiple armored vehicle types. Contenders included Boxer, Freccia IFV, Patria AMV, Piranha V, SEP, and VBCI. General Dynamics European Land Systems’ Piranha V was initially selected but the project was canceled in 2019. The program restarted in 2020 with GDELS Santa Bárbara Sistemas’ Piranha V—marketed as the Dragon VCR—winning a €1.74 billion contract to supply 348 units.

(400): The United Arab Emirates placed an order for 400 Otokar Rabdan 8×8 vehicles in 2017 after selecting them over Boxer, Patria AMV, Piranha V, and VBCI in a competition originally intended for 700 units.

(623): The United Kingdom initially participated in co-developing the GTK Boxer but withdrew in 2003. The subsequent FRES program in 2004 shortlisted Boxer, Piranha V, and VBCI; although Piranha V was favored during 2007–08 assessments, no orders materialized due to financial limitations. The FUV initiative in 2014 tested the VBCI but did not proceed with procurement. In 2018, the UK re-engaged with the Boxer project through the Mechanised Infantry Vehicle (MIV) program.

Evaluation only

: The VBCI was a contender in Australia's LAND 400 Phase 2 initiative for a next-generation reconnaissance vehicle known as the "CRV." By July 2016, Boxer and Patria AMV-35 had been shortlisted alongside competitors such as the LAV 6.0 and Sentinel II (based on the Terrex 2) for final evaluation.
: Nexter collaborated with Bombardier Transportation and Raytheon to propose 108 Close Combat Vehicles (CCVs) plus an option for an additional 30 units before the cancellation of this program in 2013.
: Lebanon considered procuring 68 units with Saudi financial assistance around 2014; however, the VBCI did not advance to the shortlist.

Comparable vehicles

External links