Tests begin for first new French SOF patrol vehicles
VOS-APP vehicle pictured in the Technamm factory near Marseille, southern France. (Photo: Technamm)
French special forces have begun testing the first pair of production 6x6 VOS-APP patrol vehicles that will succeed the VLRA, which has been in service since the 1970s.
Since its first missions in 1992, French Special Operations Command has depended on the 1970s-vintage ACMAT VLRA for liaison, reconnaissance and support operations.
While this vehicle proved easy to maintain in conditions such as in Africa and Afghanistan, it has had its day and in 2016, France launched the PLFS heavyweight vehicle programme to replace it with Technamm as main contractor.
An initial Standard 1 design proved unsatisfactory — 25 vehicles were produced as a UOR and saw no active service — so the Technamm team developed the VOS-APP (Special Operations Vehicle – Support) as a PLFS 2 platform that
Our news & analysis is now part of Defence Insight®
A Basic-level or higher Defence Insight subscription is now required to view this content.
You may also like
More from Land Warfare
-
![Australia’s revised defence investment plan: what it means for land warfare]()
Australia’s revised defence investment plan: what it means for land warfare
Australia’s 2026 National Defence Strategy and Integrated Investment Program have been adjusted from the 2024 version to promote greater military and industrial self-reliance, taking lessons learned from ongoing conflicts and looking to reinforce the industrial base.
-
![HIMARS rising: sales, industrial cooperation and missile tests are driving the weapon forward]()
HIMARS rising: sales, industrial cooperation and missile tests are driving the weapon forward
Australia's milestone Guided Multiple Launch Rocket System test and a wave of fresh contracts and production ramp-ups highlight the building momentum behind long-range strike systems globally, with HIMARS leading the way.
-
![Japanese wheeled combat vehicles: procurement driven by operational realities]()
Japanese wheeled combat vehicles: procurement driven by operational realities
Japan’s armoured forces are currently undergoing a doctrinal shift from tracked to wheeled vehicles. This represents a major change in the country’s force structure and armoured capabilities.
-
![India’s drone industry ambitions accelerate with Xtend technology transfer deal]()
India’s drone industry ambitions accelerate with Xtend technology transfer deal
The localised production of interceptor and tactical drones further strengthens India-Israel industrial alignment and could position India for future cooperation opportunities.
-
![US Army to procure next-gen remote sensing capabilities to boost battlefield mobility]()
US Army to procure next-gen remote sensing capabilities to boost battlefield mobility
The US Army Materiel Command is seeking solutions that can automatically detect and classify natural or man-made obstacles preventing the manoeuvrability of land vehicles.
