Tempo continues on VBL Ultima and Hornet production
VB2L Ultimas, pictured ready for delivery by Arquus from its Marolles factory. (Photo: Jean-Marc Tanguy)
Efforts are stepping up to provide 800 enhanced VBL vehicles for the French Army and new remote weapon stations for vehicles in the Scorpion programme
Work continues to upgrade about half of the 1,600 or so VBL Mk 1 reconnaissance and patrol vehicles in service with the French Army to the VBL Ultima configuration, as an interim step before introducing the VBAE armoured support vehicle for air assault and SOF missions.
Manufacturer Arquus shed light on the VBL upgrade and production of the Hornet remote weapon station (RWS) during a recent visit by Shephard to its factory in Marolles-en-Hurepoix, near Paris.
Arquus officials claimed to have significantly modified the VBL Mk 1 by renovating some components while adding new ones.
The original 95hp engine has
Already have an account? Log in
Want to keep reading this article?
More from Land Warfare
-
![First gun barrels for British Army howitzers due from Rheinmetall’s new UK factory in 2027]()
First gun barrels for British Army howitzers due from Rheinmetall’s new UK factory in 2027
The new Rheinmetall facility will supply barrels for UK RCH 155 howitzers and Challenger 3 tanks while also opening up potential export opportunities, providing a currently absent national capability.
-
![Germany increases Arrow missile defence deal to $6.1 billion as American interest grows]()
Germany increases Arrow missile defence deal to $6.1 billion as American interest grows
Germany’s move to buy Israel Aerospace Industries’ Arrow missile defence system became public in mid-2023 with approval from the US government shortly after. The first operational system is expected to be in service before 2030.
-
![Sweden’s recent air defence spend tips to $6 billion with 2026 procurement planned]()
Sweden’s recent air defence spend tips to $6 billion with 2026 procurement planned
Procurement of various short-range systems will begin in the first quarter of 2026, with additional procurements to be made later in the year.
