New French-Belgian 4x4 reconnaissance vehicle to enter service in 2030
The Arquus Scarabée could inform the development of the VBAE. (Photo: Arquus)
Pre-design work has been scheduled to begin on the French-Belgian VBAE 4x4 reconnaissance vehicle, setting the platform on target for potential entry into service by 2030.
The companies designing the vehicle, Arquus and Nexter, a KNDS company, signed a pre-design contract with Europe’s Organisation for Joint Armaments Co-operation (OCCAR) on 6 December.
OCCAR has been responsible for setting up and managing the programme. The deal marks the first step towards converging of the operational requirements and architecture of the future armoured vehicle.
For France it will replace the VBL (Light Armoured Vehicle) which has been in service since the late 1980s and for Belgium it will represent an additional step in the development of its motorized capacity by reinforcing its reconnaissance and C2 capabilities.
Shephard Defence Insight noted the French MoD has not disclosed the number of platforms to be required nor the amount of funding to be allocated to the VBAE programme. However, estimates suggest as many as 2,000 VBAEs could be acquired for EUR2 billion (US$2.3 billion).
The vehicle is likely to have a similar capability and standard to the Oshkosh/AM General Joint Light Tactical Vehicle and the Arquus Scarabée (Scarab), 4x4 armoured vehicle developed for reconnaissance and scouting missions, may form the basis of or a starting point for development of the VBAE.
More from Land Warfare
-
DSEI 2025: Avon Protection provides first sight of new goggle and details on half mask
Avon Protection has been growing and improving its integrated systems offerings. Last year the company released its Exoskin total protective suit system and earlier this year the MITR-M1 half mask.
-
DSEI 2025: Elbit Systems set to field joint fires systems as it looks to large UK requirements
Elbit Systems UK was awarded the Dismounted Joint Fires Integrators (D-JFI) programme in January 2021, which will integrate with the UK’s army, marines and air force. The parent company has decades of heritage in the UK and is looking to compete for the Watchkeeper drone replacement.
-
DSEI 2025: Milrem’s Havoc 8×8 robot to undergo live firing trials next year
The Havoc uncrewed ground vehicle (UGV) was unveiled at IDEX 2025 in February. It is built around a hybrid electric powertrain which provides silent running over medium distances and silent watch for extended periods of time.
-
DSEI 2025: As more possible CV90 orders loom, BAE Systems confident on production rates
The company is investing in increasing production while major subcontractors also push to keep up with demand, with Sweden’s recent Request for Information potentially adding another 500 to the order book.