- Yes
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The VAB VCI T.20 is an unique Cypriot export version of the French VCI T.20/13.
History
The Story Behind the VAB
The VAB, short for Véhicule de l’Avant Blindé (roughly “Forward Armored Vehicle”), may not sound like a classic armored personnel carrier at first, but it has become the backbone of the French Army’s wheeled APC fleet. Since entering service in 1976, more than 5,000 units have been produced in both 4×4 and 6×6 configurations, spawning around 35 specialized variants. While it has been sold to roughly 15 nations, France operates the largest fleet—approximately 3,900 vehicles—most of which have undergone modernization. A second-generation Mk.II model is also under development, focused on escort and force-protection missions.
Designed for speed and mobility, the VAB marked a clear shift from the older tracked AMX-VCI of the 1960s. Drawing inspiration from the successful Swiss Piranha family of wheeled vehicles, French planners opted for a wheeled platform. The 1974 military specification called for an amphibious, NBC-protected, lightly armored vehicle capable of supporting heavier tracked units in a potential large-scale conflict against Warsaw Pact forces. The ability to ford rivers quickly in Central Europe was considered a major advantage.
In 1973, several companies submitted designs, but the shortlist came down to proposals from Panhard and Saviem (later part of Renault). The Renault entry was selected in May 1974, leading to a substantial initial order for 4,000 vehicles. Production began in 1976, with output reaching a steady rate of 30–40 units per month.
Throughout its long career, the VAB has benefited from multiple upgrade programs. Starting in the late 1990s, many received the “VAB Valorisé” (Valo) modernization package. An earlier “New Generation” (VAB NG) effort appeared around 1990. After GIAT Industries was integrated into Renault Trucks Defense, the company introduced the more robust VAB Mk.II at Eurosatory 2010. This version featured significantly greater internal volume and enhanced protection (up to Level 4 ballistic and mine/IED resistance), primarily targeted at export customers.
Although the French Army is progressively replacing the VAB with the newer Griffon (VBMR) under the Scorpion modernization program, Renault Trucks Defense continues to upgrade large numbers of existing vehicles to extend their service life by another 15 years or more.
Export operators have generally favored the 6×6 variant for its superior off-road capability (including Cyprus). Renault also provides extensive upgrade packages for international users, often incorporating a new diesel powerplant, automatic transmission, upgraded suspension, and additional armor.
In its standard troop-carrying configuration, the VAB is typically armed with a 7.62 mm or 12.7 mm machine gun at the commander’s station. Some operators have installed heavier weapon systems, including turrets with 20 mm cannons. The chassis has proven highly adaptable, serving in roles such as mortar carrier, command vehicle, artillery observer, air-defense platform (guns or missiles), internal security, recovery/repair, electronic warfare, ambulance, and anti-tank missile carrier (Milan or HOT).
A standout capability is its full amphibious performance, achieved via rear-mounted water jets. The vehicle also features standard power steering and a wide range of optional equipment, including enhanced armor kits, air conditioning, NBC filters, central tire inflation, night-vision devices, firing ports, ABS brakes, modern electronics, and a front-mounted winch.
After nearly five decades of service, the VAB remains a highly successful and adaptable platform, reliably supporting French and allied forces across a broad spectrum of missions.
The VAB in Cypriot Service
Serving as the backbone of the Cypriot National Guard’s wheeled mechanized forces since the mid-1980s, the French-manufactured VAB functions as both an armored troop transport and a direct fire-support vehicle. With approximately 147 units in active service, the fleet provides the island’s defense forces with reliable infantry mobility alongside dedicated anti-armor capabilities.
The initial acquisition began in 1984 with an order for 100 VAB-VTT personnel carriers and 27 VAB-VCI infantry fighting vehicles. This inventory was further expanded in 1991 through the delivery of 18 6x6 VCAC HOT UTM-800 anti-tank missile variants. While specialized models carry heavy ordnance, the primary transport configurations feature a 7.62mm machine gun as standard defensive armament.
The VAB VCI T.20 is a specialized export version fitted with the T.20 autocannon. It’s a capable setup that turns the VAB into a fire support vehicles that can also engage helicopters. Cyprus is the only country that operate this variant. (Note that the French version has a different turret)
Decades after their initial deployment, these armored platforms remain a key component of Cyprus’s land warfare defense posture.
Firepower
The autocannon is a GIAT 20 mm Mle F2 It is the same weapon system originally used in the AMX-13 VCI and the AMX-10P infantry fighting vehicles.
- Caliber: 20x139 mm.
- Feed System: Dual-belt feed, allowing the gunner to instantly switch between two types of ammunition.
- Rate of Fire: Selectable between 150, 300, or 700 rounds per minute.
- Muzzle Velocity: Approximately 1,050 m/s for HE rounds and 1,300 m/s for APDS rounds.
- APDS and HE belts
Protection
Armor type: Steel
Armor thickness: Rated against 7.62 mm
Specifications
Crew: 3-4
Elevation: -8° to +65°
Traverse: 360°
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
Images
Sources
https://www.hellenicaworld.com/Cyprus/Military/en/MilitaryOfCyprus.html
VAB - NamuWiki
France 20 mm/90 GIAT M693 and 20 mm/73 GIAT M621 - NavWeaps
GIAT Nexter 20F2 20mm machine gun system
https://www.generalequipment.info/VAB%20APC.htm
Army Guide
https://odin.t2com.army.mil/WEG/Asset/8dd921788cbbc6cedd047b8cc1eb129cl