On 26 February, the French Armaments Agency (DGA) delivered the first four of 102 modernized light armoured vehicles (VBL-R) expected by the French army in 2024. Since 2020, 247 VBL-Rs have already been upgraded to the Ultima standard. The modernizations will be continued by Arquus until 2028.
The light tank (VBL), which entered army service in 1990, is an illumination vehicle for the armored cavalry platoons (AMX10RC and later Jaguar). It can also be used to carry out tactical reconnaissance missions or missions in depth. Thanks to the current upgrade, the vehicles can be used by the armed forces until 2035.
The Ultima standard improves the operational performance of the VBL, primarily because the engine can now deliver 50 percent more power. Its control system is also safer than the previous version with ABS, power steering and reinforced suspension. An additional protection package can be integrated into the VBL to increase the crew’s resilience in the field. With the installation of a new generator, the power supply has also been renewed. This new generator can better cover the power consumption of the numerous new devices in the vehicle. The payload has also been improved, increasing by 300 kilograms.
The VBL-R is to be replaced by the VBAE vehicle in the mid-2030s. This program is being carried out in collaboration with Belgium and the contract for preliminary planning was only awarded to Arquus, KNDS and John Cockerill Defense in December 2023.
