At the DIMDEX arms trade fair in Doha/Qatar, KNDS-Nexter presented the VBCi MkII (Véhicule Blindé de Combat d'Infanterie) infantry fighting vehicle in a version that could meet the needs of the Qatari armed forces. Nexter says it wants to build on the partnership established with AMX tanks and various wheeled vehicles. With the delivery of the wheeled armored vehicles, Nexter aims to develop the Qatar Emiri Defense Industrial and Technology Base in line with Vision 2030 for Qatar and establish a final assembly line, maintenance and support, as well as the local production of a wide range of ammunition.
According to Nexter's description, the VBCI MkII is an improved version of the vehicle already in service with the French Army. Its new T40 turret integrates an Akeron MP missile and a 40 mm cannon with Case Telescoped Ammunition (CTA), which can penetrate 140 mm armor at 1500 m. According to Nexter, these weapons cover all types of land threats, from infantry to main battle tanks.
The VBCI has proven itself in combat with the French army for more than ten years.
The Nexter exhibition program at DIMDEX also included the Jaguar reconnaissance and combat vehicle and a complete range of ammunition, including 40mm CTA, 120mm SHARD for main battle tanks and 155mm KATANA artillery ammunition.
Editorial staff / gwh