French Army Receives First Batch of Modernized Light Armored Vehicles for 2024

The Directorate General of Armaments (DGA) has announced the delivery of the first four regenerated light armored vehicles (VBL-R) for the year 2024.

These vehicles were handed over to the Army on February 26, the DGA said in a statement on March 29.

Originally introduced into service in 1990, the Light Armored Vehicle (LAV) has played a crucial role in armored cavalry platoons, including missions such as discreet reconnaissance and infiltration. The modernization initiative designated as the Ultima standard aims to extend the operational lifespan of these vehicles until 2035.

These upgrades include a new engine with 50% increased power, improved safety features such as ABS and power steering, and reinforced suspension for enhanced maneuverability. Additionally, the vehicles are equipped with air conditioning and have the capacity to accommodate an overprotection kit, enhancing crew resilience during operations.

Furthermore, the renovation includes the installation of an alternator to meet the energy demands of newly integrated electronic equipment. The VBL-R also benefits from an increased payload capacity of 300 kg. The modernization is being conducted by the industrial company ARQUUS at its Saint-Nazaire site in Loire-Atlantique and is expected to continue until the end of 2028.

Looking ahead, the VBL-R will eventually be replaced by the Armored Engagement Support Vehicle (VBAE), a collaborative program involving Belgium. The pre-design contract for the VBAE program was awarded to Arquus, KNDS, and John Cockerill Defense in December 2023 by the OCCAr.