- Yes
- No
History
The history of VAB
VAB stands for Véhicule de l’Avant Blindé – which translates to something like “Vanguard Armored Vehicle.” The name doesn’t really scream “armored personnel carrier,” but that’s exactly what it is, and it’s by far the most common one in the French Army. More than 5,000 have been built since it entered service in 1976, in both 4×4 and 6×6 versions, with around 35 different variants. It’s been exported to about 15 countries, but France remains the biggest user with roughly 3,900 vehicles. Most of them have been modernized, and there’s even a new second-generation version (the Mk.II) in the works for escort and protection duties.
Unlike the older tracked AMX-VCI from the 1960s, the VAB was designed to be fast and agile. After seeing the success of the Swiss Piranha wheeled vehicles, the French went with a wheeled design. The 1974 army requirements called for an amphibious, NBC-protected, lightly armored vehicle that could support the heavier tracked APCs in a potential conventional war against the Warsaw Pact. Being able to swim across rivers in eastern France and Germany was seen as a big plus.
Several manufacturers submitted proposals in 1973, but only two really fit the bill: one from Panhard and one from Saviem/Renault. The Renault design won out in May 1974, and an initial order for 4,000 vehicles followed. Deliveries started in 1976, and they were rolling out at a steady pace of 30 to 40 per month.
Over the years the VAB has gone through several upgrade programs. From 1998 onward, many received the “VAB Valorisé” (or “Valo”) modernization package. There was also a “New Generation” (VAB NG) version developed around 1990. Later, after GIAT was absorbed by Renault Trucks Defense, they unveiled the heavier VAB Mk.II at Eurosatory 2010. It offered more internal space and much better protection (up to Level 4, including against mines and IEDs), mainly aimed at export markets.
The VAB is gradually being replaced by the Griffon (VBMR) under the Scorpion program, but Renault Trucks Defense has been busy upgrading a large part of the existing French fleet to keep them serviceable for another 15 years or so.
Most export customers preferred the 6×6 version for its better cross-country performance (Cyprus included). Renault also offers comprehensive upgrade kits for foreign operators, which can include a new diesel engine, automatic transmission, improved suspension, and extra armor.
In its basic APC form, the VAB usually carries a 7.62mm or 12.7mm machine gun mounted at the commander’s position. Some users have fitted more serious weapon stations, like turrets with 20mm cannons. Beyond troop transport, it’s been adapted for tons of other roles: mortar carrier, command post, artillery observer, air defense (guns or missiles), internal security, repair/recovery, electronic warfare, ambulance, and anti-tank platforms (with Milan or HOT missiles, for example).
One of its coolest features is that it’s fully amphibious – two water jets at the rear push it through the water. It also comes with powered steering as standard, and there’s a long list of optional gear: extra armor, air conditioning, NBC filtration, central tire inflation, night vision, firing ports, ABS brakes, updated electronics, and a front winch.
All in all, the VAB has been an incredibly successful and versatile vehicle that’s served France and its allies reliably for nearly five decades.
The VAB in Cypriot Service
The French-built VAB has been a mainstay of the Cypriot National Guard since the mid-1980s, serving as their primary wheeled armored personnel carrier and fire-support platform. The fleet totals around 147 vehicles, giving Cyprus solid mechanized infantry transport and useful anti-tank punch for defending the island.
Back in 1984, Cyprus ordered 100 VAB-VTT armored personnel carriers and 27 VAB-VCI infantry fighting vehicles. Then in 1991, they received another 18 six-wheeled VCAC Hot UTM-800 variants. The standard versions are armed with a 7.62mm machine gun.
The VCAC Hot is a specialized export version fitted with the Euromissile UTM 800 turret, which carries a four-tube launcher for HOT anti-tank missiles. It’s a capable setup that turns the VAB into a serious tank hunter. Cyprus and Qatar are the only two countries that operate this variant. (Note that Qatar’s version is a bit lighter, with only two missiles on the launcher and half the usual smoke grenades.)
Overall, these VABs have given the Cypriot National Guard a flexible and dependable armored capability for decades.
Firepower
- Missile: HOT anti-tank guided missile, both HOT-2 and HOT-3 mounted on UTM-800 unmanned turret
- Ammunition: 16 missiles, 4 ready to fire
- Secondary armament: Commanders 7.62mm FN MAG machine gun with 2.000 rounds, 100 rounds ready to fire
Protection
Armor type: Steel
Armor thickness: Rated against 7.62 mm
Smoke system: 2x4 smoke grenade launchers
Specifications
Crew: 3-4
Elevation: -6° to +22°, powered
Traverse: 360°
Stabilizer: No
Night vision: thermal camera for gunner
Tire size: 14.00 x20
Tire type: Run flat tire
Tread: 2.04 m
Wheelbase: 1.5 + 1.5 m
Amphibious propulsion: 2x water jet
Mobility
Speed: 92 km/h , 8 km/h afloat
Reverse: 13km/h
Power output: 220 hp at 2.200 rpm
Power to weight ratio: About 15 to 16 hp/t (both engine types)
Turn radius: 9 m
Engine model: Renault MIDS 06-20-45 (late models)MAN D.2356 HM 72 (early models)
Engine type: 6-cylinder water-cooled diesel (both engine types)
Transmission: 5 forward, 5 reverse
Fuel:310 L
Range: 1.000 km
round clearance: 0.4 m
Wall: 0.6 m
Trench: 1 m
Gradient: 60 %
Slope: 35 %
Fording: Amphibious
Sources
https://defenceredefined.com.cy/vab-vcac-6x6-ο-κυνηγός-αρμάτων-της-εφ/
OFFER#
https://www.army-guide.com/eng/product654.htm
ODIN - OE Data Integration Network
Αμυντική Βίβλος 2022-2023
ΙΣΟΖΥΓΙΟ ΕΝΟΠΛΗΣ ΙΣΧΥΟΣ ΕΛΛΑΔΑΣ-ΤΟΥΡΚΙΑΣ ΚΥΠΡΟΥ, Λίγο Πριν από την σύγκρουση;
page 82, chapter: ΕΘΝΙΚΗ ΦΡΟΥΡΑ “Αποχαιρετισμος” στα gunship Mi-35P - Ερχονται το Η-145Μ
translation:
Defense Bible 2022–2023
BALANCE OF MILITARY POWER BETWEEN GREECE, TURKEY, AND CYPRUS: On the Brink of Conflict?
page 82, chapter: NATIONAL GUARD “Farewell” to the Mi-35P gunships - The H-145M is coming
