France mulls new turret options to increase its VBCI IFV’s firepower
A VBCI IFV fitted with a 40 CTA turret, 12.7mm-armed remote weapon station and mock-up ATGMs mounted externally either side. (Photo: KNDS France)
The proposed enhancements could better position the French Army’s armoured infantry fighting vehicle for future export campaigns.
The French Army is understood to be looking at enhancing the firepower and protection of its currently deployed KNDS France Véhicule blindé de combat d’infanterie (VBCI) 8x8 in the future, funding permitting.
The service has taken delivery of 630 VBCIs, of which 520 were in infantry fighting vehicle (IFV) configuration with the remaining 110 in the command post role. The latter were fitted with a roof-mounted FN remote weapon station (RWS) armed with a 12.7mm stabilised machine gun (MG).
These VBCIs were all built at the KNDS France Roanne facility with final deliveries made in 2015. A number of
Our news & analysis is now part of Defence Insight®
A Basic-level or higher Defence Insight subscription is now required to view this content.
More from Land Warfare
-
![Eurosatory 2026: MARSS and parent company EOS expand air defence capability]()
Eurosatory 2026: MARSS and parent company EOS expand air defence capability
MARSS became part of EOS Defence earlier this year, bringing together the former’s C2 NiDAR and Nation Shield air defence products with the latter’s suite of effectors and sensors.
-
![Is motorisation set to be the next evolution of towed artillery?]()
Is motorisation set to be the next evolution of towed artillery?
Artillery remains a key tool on the modern battlefield. Artillery platforms, however, are increasingly at risk from enemy fire, whether from other artillery or uncrewed …
-
![Eurosatory 2026: GDELS and Thales combine proven tech to create reduced-risk CUAS]()
Eurosatory 2026: GDELS and Thales combine proven tech to create reduced-risk CUAS
Both Thales and GDELS shone a spotlight on their uncrewed and counter-drone efforts at Eurosatory 2026, highlighting the integration of mature technologies with stable C2 systems that are open to agnostic additions and expansion.
