01/08/2021 VBCI infantry tank (2008)

(https://www.tanks- Links,
Reading
Resources & Further
encyclopedia.com/modern/modern-
french-tanks.php) VBCI On Army Recognition
(2008) (https://www.armyrecognition.com/vbci_nexter_variants_wheeled_armoured_vehicle_uk/vb
https://www.enderi.fr/VBCI-les-lecons-d-un-choix-
technique-et-strategique-francais_a248.html
(https://Roots of the programme on enderi.fr - defence
and intl relations)
Nexter's VBCI at IDEX 2017
(https://www.nexter-group.fr/en/press/746-le-vbci-de-
nexter-la-reference-des-vehicules-de-combat-
dinfanterie-8x8-sous-le-feu-des-projecteurs-au-salon-
idex-2017)

official descr. on defense.gouv.fr

Infantry Fighting Vehicle - France (2008) -
630+ built. (https://www.defense.gouv.fr/terre/equipements/materiels-
specifiques/infanterie/vehicules/vbci-vehicule-blinde-
de-combat-de-l-infanterie)
https://www.chars-
The French modern IFV
francais.net/2015/index.php/liste-chronologique/de-
The VBCI is a modern style infantry fighting vehicle, 1990-a-nos-jours?task=view&id=795 (https://On
with eight wheels and a modular construction, inspired chars-francais.net (fr))

by the MOWAG Piranha III (https://www.tanks- www.military-today.com/apc/vbci.htm

www.tanknutdave.com/the-french-8x8-vbci-ifv/

encyclopedia.com/coldwar/Switzerland/Mowag_Piranha.php).
The first projects can be traced back to the nineties, www.defense-update.com/products/v/vbci.htm

when the successor of the AMX-10P www.chars-francais.net/2015/index.php/10-

(https://www.tanks- archives/de-1990-nos-jours/1580-1996-renault-x8a

encyclopedia.com/coldwar/France/AMX-10P.php) was www.defenseindustrydaily.com/vbci-frances-wheeled-

programmed to be developed. The VBCI entered apc-04100/
service in 2008, with 630 vehicles produced until
2015. It equips all the units of the French army and Video
has seen service in Afghanistan and Mali. Three
variants have also been developed on the chassis.
VBCI | Véhicule Blindé de Combat d'Infan
Development
In the early 90s, the French Ministry of Defense
launched the VBM (Véhicule Blindé Modulaire /
Modular Armored Vehicle) program. Other European
countries had similar specifications and became
interested, like England and Germany. In 1996, at
Eurosatory, Renault unveiled its X8A 8x8 prototype for
the VBM project. However, the negotiations became
very complex and drawn out, leading the other
interested countries to drop out. On the 6th of
November 2000, the French government ordered 700
vehicles derived from the prototypes.

Video in operations by TheAxelino006

Tests (2003-2008)
The long phase of testing and

https://www.tanks-encyclopedia.com/modern/France/VBCI.php 1/8
01/08/2021 VBCI infantry tank (2008)
subsequent modification started. A new prototype was
unveiled in 2003, which passed the mobility, agility,
protection and electronic system reliability tests.
Renault had already extensively tested the X8A
demonstrator’s drivetrain and engine after 1996.
Starting in 2004, 4 prototype VCIs and a VPC
(Command vehicle) went through a battery of
extensive tests in combat conditions, completing them
in 2005. It was during these trials that problems with
the DRAGAR turret (subsequently renamed Tarask)
became apparent. The design was entirely rethought,
which delayed the vehicle’s entry into service by two
years. Other versions of the vehicle were drawn up in
the meantime, notably a mortar carrier and an anti-
tank version with a MILAN launcher. At the end of the
project, the vehicle was also temporarily considered
for the British FRS program.

Production
Production started in 2008 with an order
for 550 VCIs and 150 VPCs (the command version),
but this was scaled down due to budget cuts to 510
and 120 respectively, giving a total of 630 vehicles by
2015. The total cost of the program was 3.49 billion
euros. Each VCI cost 3.49 million euros, with the VPC
at 2.74 million each ($US4.8-3.7m). If the
development costs are integrated, it gives a cost of
5.5 million euros per vehicle ($US7.4m). This is
significantly higher than the lighter American Stryker,
which cost between US$4.9m (2012) and US$5.11m
(2016) with inflation adjustments. However, the ten-
fold larger production (4,900 vehicles) must also be
taken into consideration when making such
comparisons.

Design

The VBCI seems like a tall and heavy vehicle when

compared to other vehicles in the same category. It is
far heavier than the Piranha III or LAV-25 (~13 tons) or
even the Striker (18-20 tons). The VBCI was designed
to be able to comfortably transport an infantry section.
It had a crew of three, including the infantry
commander, who also commanded the vehicle. The
general configuration is classic, with the driver
positioned in the front of the vehicle, on the left, with
the commander behind him, while the engine
compartment is on the right. Behind this is the fighting
compartment, with the DRAGAR turret mounted
centrally, and the infantry compartment at the rear.
This is large enough for 9 men, eight of whom sit on
side benches, facing each other. The infantrymen can
enter and exit the vehicle through the rear doors.

Armament
The IFV version is armed with a 25 mm GIAT model
M811 autocannon (with a rate of fire of 125 or 400
rounds/minute) and a coaxial 7.62 mm ANF1
machine-gun. Four Galix smoke launchers provide
active protection and are also able to fire
https://www.tanks-encyclopedia.com/modern/France/VBCI.php 2/8
01/08/2021 VBCI infantry tank (2008)
antipersonnel grenades. The APC version does away
with the turret and the rear section is enlarged, in
order to carry 14 fully-equipped infantrymen. The
onboard armament consists of a 12.7 mm M2HB
heavy machine-gun.

DRAGAR/Tarask Turret
The gunner has an optical sight and a day and
thermal camera for telemetry and fire-guidance
purposes. He also has at his disposal a number of
episcopes which allow him to observe a full 360°
around the vehicle. The vehicle commander controls
the Panoramic Observation Device (Moyen
d’Observation Panoramique, MOP). The DRAGAR
turret also has a gun stabilization system.

Protection

The hull of the VBCI is made of reinforced aluminum

and welded steel. In its “naked” arrangement for air
transport, the vehicle weighs 18 tons. Bolted applique
armor can be added, increasing the protection to the
STANAG 4569 level 4 standard, making it immune to
calibers under 14.5 mm on the frontal arc and the
sides. It was also protected against HEAT
ammunition, mines and shrapnel. For active
protection, the vehicle had four Galix launchers, with
grenades being able to create smoke opaque to
visible and infrared light. For threat detection, the
vehicle has infrared devices and three rotating
cameras, one of which was thermal. It also had a laser
alert device, infrared decoys, and a combat
identification device for the digital managing of the
battlefield. The infantrymen were protected against
mines due to the V-shaped underbelly with energy-
absorbing deformation elements. The seats are also
suspended, further reducing the effects of a mine
explosion on the soldiers.

In addition, tests were carried out by Nexter and the

DGA in 2013-2017 on a special camouflage, first
presented at Eurosatory in 2014. Named “Cameleon”,
it allows the reduction of the visible and infrared
signature of the vehicle. It uses OLED light-emitting
diodes and consists of a screen-like skin that can
automatically change its color in accordance with the
environment. It is planned to be implemented on the
VBCI 2 and on many armored vehicles in 2019-2020.
For urban combat in high-density areas, the vehicles
should receive SHARK active protection.

Mobility

https://www.tanks-encyclopedia.com/modern/France/VBCI.php 3/8
01/08/2021 VBCI infantry tank (2008)

The VBCI is powered by a Renault 500 hp turbo diesel

engine derived from the Volvo D12. In order to
optimize the behavior on different terrains, the
hydropneumatic suspension can be adjusted on the
go as well as when stopped. The VBCI also has a
centralized tire inflation system which allows the
lowering of the tire pressure on soft terrain. The
engine can propel the vehicle up to a speed of 62.1
mph (100 km/h) on good roads, with a range of 466
miles (750 km). Off-road, the average speed can vary
between 24.8 - 43.4 mph (40 - 70 km/h). The
transmission consists of a ZF Ecomat 7HP 602 unit.

The trial results have shown that the VBCI can climb a
60% slope, handle a 30% side slope, pass over a 0.7
m obstacle, pass over a 2 m trench and ford a 1.2 m
body of water without any preparation and a 1.5 m
one with some preparations. However, more
importantly, the VBCI is not amphibious. On the other
hand, despite its weight (between 24 and 28 tons fully
equipped, depending on the variant and optional
equipment, but it can be stripped down to 18 tons for
transport) and size, it is air transportable using an
A400M Airbus or similarly sized aircraft. It's turning
radius is between 17 and 22 m at slow speed. The
VBCI also has an emergency steering system which
consists of blocking the wheels on one side and
turning almost on the spot. The eight tires are of the
Michelin X-Force type, capable of traveling 62.1 miles
(100 km) after being pierced by 5 bullets. The 8 wheel
drive ensures maximum traction even if one wheel is
destroyed by a mine.

Variants
VCI: Standard Infantry Fighting Vehicle version, with
the Tarask turret (formerly known as DRAGAR), a 25
mm cannon and coaxial machine-gun, able to carry 9
infantrymen and the crew.

VPC: Command vehicle fitted with 2 radio stations,

with a crew of 7 and mounting a 12.7 mm heavy
machine-gun in a turret

https://www.tanks-encyclopedia.com/modern/France/VBCI.php 4/8
01/08/2021 VBCI infantry tank (2008)
VTT: Armored Personnel Carrier with larger interior,
carrying 10 infantrymen and 2 crewmembers

Future Developments
C4ISR

These upgrades consist of the addition of the

Information System Terminal (SIT, Système
d’Information Terminal) on the VCI and the advanced
Regimental Information System (SIR, Système
d’Information Régimentaire) on the VPC command
version. These real-time digital information systems
are meant for troops using the FELIN (Infantryman
with Integrated Equipment and Communications,
Fantassin à Équipement et Liaisons Intégrés)
augmented suite developed by Safran.
VBCI 2
The
VBCI 2 is estimated to weigh 32 tons, almost double
compared to the Piranha III. Starting in 2015, this
version tested the 40mm armed BAE/NEXTER CTAS
turret (Cased Telescope Armament System), also
planned to be used on Panhard’s future Griffon and
the new British IFV, Ajax (https://www.tanks-
encyclopedia.com/ajax-reconnaissance-tank-apc/).
The VBCI 2 integrates the lessons learned during
combat in Mali, and has a new 600 hp Volvo
drivetrain, a new air conditioning system and new
360° digital cameras which can be controlled and
viewed from the 3 onboard consoles mounted for the
vehicle commander, gunner, and driver. The hull is
now made of reinforced aluminum, but the applique
armor is very modular, being easily adapted to the
mission conditions. Reinforced riveted steel or
titanium plates can be effective against anti-tank
projectiles up to 14.5 mm caliber. The basic version of
the VBCI 2 has a T40 turret, derived from the export
version of the VBCI, and a remote-controlled 7.62 mm
machine-gun. The turret is also armed with a pair of
anti-tank missiles in containers. For export purposes,
the vehicle can also be fitted with a remote-controlled
30mm cannon or even the BMP-3 (https://www.tanks-
encyclopedia.com/coldwar/soviet/bmp-3.php) turret.

Camouflaged VBCI, 1st serie

VBCI with hifirst turret

https://www.tanks-encyclopedia.com/modern/France/VBCI.php 5/8
01/08/2021 VBCI infantry tank (2008)

VBCI with UN livery

VBCI with add-on armour in Afghanistan

VBCI CTA-40 in desert livery with thermal camouflage

VBC command

https://www.tanks-encyclopedia.com/modern/France/VBCI.php 6/8
01/08/2021 VBCI infantry tank (2008)

VTT, the troop transport

The VBCI in service

The first unit to receive the new vehicle was the 35th
Belfort Infantry Regiment. Gradually, all the infantry
units received their VCI and VPC vehicles, the last
vehicle delivered being the 110th VPC, on the 8th of
July 2013. Their first operation engagement took place
in Afghanistan in May-June 2010, and then they saw
action in Mali. They carried out convoy protection and
infantry support missions and were thoroughly tested
in combat, on many occasions taking out targets at
more than 2,700 m.

VBCI in Service
In 2012, in Kapisa in Afghanistan, VBCIs equipped
with cage armor were attacked with about fifteen
RPG-7 rounds and two IEDs, but suffered little
damage. One of the VBCIs which was hit was able to
return to base, was repaired and set off again two
hours later. After January 2013, the VBCIs of the 92nd
Clermont-Ferrand Infantry Regiment were engaged in
Mali, firing 1,250 rounds of 25 mm ammunition during
their missions.
This combat experience has pushed
the DGA to request improvements from Nexter,
notably survivability kits, active protection and
improved vision devices and extra armor kits to
protect against mines and IEDs. Renault Trucks
Defense was in charge of modifying the running gears
and the suspension in 2014-2015. These upgrades
were also incorporated into the VBCI 2.
Export:
Negotiations are taking place with the United Arab
Emirates (for 700 vehicles) and Qatar for the VBCI 2.
Russia studied the VBCI in 2012 as part of its
Boomerang program. The VBCI was also proposed to
and rejected by Canada (2013), Spain (2008),
Lebanon (2014) and, recently, Denmark.
Several
VBCIs were lent to the British army for evaluations in
2014. The French Army Ministry proposed buying the
Watchkeeper WK450 drone in exchange for the British
ordering the VBCI as part of its Mechanised Infantry
Vehicle program. This program is not yet finished, the
Piranha V being preferred as a development basis.

VBCI specifications

Dimensions (l- 7.6 x 2.98 x 3 m

(24'9'' x
w-h): 9'77'' x 9'84'')

Total weight, 23.3-25.6 Tons VCI/VPC

battle ready: (50,000 ibs)

3+9 (Driver, Commander,

Crew :
Gunner, 9 infantry)

https://www.tanks-encyclopedia.com/modern/France/VBCI.php 7/8
01/08/2021 VBCI infantry tank (2008)

Renault Diesel 550 hp (410

Propulsion:
kW) 24-22 hp/t

8x8 Coil springs/shock

Suspensions:
absorbers

Top Speed 100 kph (62 mph)

Range (road) 750 km (470 mi)

Armament GIAT M811 25 mm, coax.

7.62 mm LMG

14.5 mm (0.57 in), NATO

Armour
STANAG Level 2

Total
630 as of 2017
Production

For information about abbreviations check the

Lexical Index (https://www.tanks-
encyclopedia.com/goodies/lexical-index)

https://www.tanks-encyclopedia.com/modern/France/VBCI.php 8/8