Overview  |  Description  |  Technical card  |  Industrial card  |  Equipment and ammunition  |  Countries equipped

Originally, the Armoured Troop Carrier (VAB - Véhicule de l’Avant Blindé) programme was intended to give motorised infantry a replacement for its tactical trucks. The VAB was to carry out transport and tactical re-supply roles in the forward area, offering an NBC capability, while protecting its “cargo” from battlefield small arms.

The VAB as manufactured by Renault V.I in partnership with GIAT Industries and Creusot Loire Industries, is therefore a robust and manoeuvrable vehicle which a high level of off-road comfort. It is available in two versions, 4x4 and 6x6 (with greater mobility), and offers a multi-role capability, carrying troops or acting as a weapons platform or command post. The VAB is amphibious and incorporates 2 turbo thrusters for water propulsion. The French Army is mainly equipped with the 4x4 versions, which is fitted with a scarf ring mount and shield and a 7.62 mm or 12.7 mm machine gun.

The VAB is currently deployed in several operational theatres. It has proved its worth in the Gulf and during peacekeeping missions in Bosnia, Cambodia, Croatia, the Lebanon, Rwanda and Somalia amongst others.

In France, to ensure the reliability of all the vehicles in the fleet (3975 units), and to maintain acceptable operational effectiveness in those deployed in the front line (1527 units), VABs have been subject to reliability and refit programmes. In parallel, upgrading the fire support function must be considered and studies are under way to define more accurately the operational requirement.

Nearly 5000 VAB are in service in 15 countries across the world.