Since its creation, Arquus has positioned itself as a key and sustainable player in both design, production, and maintenance of systems and tactical armoured vehicles. Being present again for the 2nd edition of the World Defense Show (WDS), which will take place from February 4 to 8, 2024, is an opportunity for Arquus to reaffirm its industrial cooperation capabilities in key geographical areas such as Africa and the Middle East, and to showcase its extensively tested vehicle range. Arquus develops strong bilateral relationships with its partners to offer complete vehicle manufacturing that meets the client’s specific requirements. In the context of industrial cooperation, Arquus distinguishes itself by supporting local teams with skill and technology transfers to independently design modern vehicles suited to the needs of local armies.
The deployment of industrial cooperations perfectly fits geographical imperatives and establishes a real customer relationship by integrating local partners. This type of partnership has already proven successful with iconic vehicles from Arquus range such as SHERPA light tactical vehicles and VAB (Véhicule de l’Avant Blindé, Armoured Forward Vehicle) armoured personnel carrier. The VAB is the perfect example of a successful industrial cooperation. Arquus has already collaborated with a Middle Eastern country to modernize an entire fleet of this vehicle. The Middle Eastern VABs benefit from performance improvements in drivetrain, braking capabilities, and steering elements. To support its clients, Arquus experts specialize in various services, including localizing training, warranty and initial support for the first vehicles built in France; gradual vehicle assembly and enhancing maintenance skills; assisting in coordinating the setup of lines such as local industry production or assembly lines; in-country sourcing, etc.
The VAB is a French armoured personnel carrier designed by Renault Trucks Defense (now called Arquus). It has seen combat in various conflicts in Africa, Asia as well as Europe and has also been exported to more than 15 countries. The VAB has more than thirty variants and sub-variants. Beyond their common primary role of transporting personnel and equipment in combat zones, some VAB are tailored for mechanized infantry combat, some fulfill the role of anti-tank missile launchers, some of self-propelled mortars, some are optimized for electronic warfare, others act as reconnaissance or artillery observation vehicles, etc. In Eurosatory 2012; the VAB MkIII was presented publicly, being a new vehicle with better protection against IEDs and anti-vehicle mines up to STANAG Level 4 protection. Armored plating against RPG rockets is made in collaboration with Plasan. It’s being marketed only in a 6×6 wheeled configuration with either a Renault MD7 engine developing 340 hp or a Caterpillar C7 developing 370 hp with automatic transmission.
It is with all these services that the vehicles maintain enhanced, unparalleled performance, perfectly adapted to various tension situations, taking into account geographical, financial, or geopolitical challenges. An emblematic vehicle of Arquus offering, the VAB MK3 presented at the WDS is part of the 6×6 medium vehicles that offer very high-level performance in terms of mobility, protection, and payload, allowing it to fulfill many missions from troop transport to fire support, backed by the latest generation systems. The VAB MK3 has been extensively tested on various terrains for over 40 years, especially in the Middle East. The VAB MK3 is a modular and configurable vehicle in many versions to best meet customer needs. At WDS, it is presented with its John Cockerill Defense CP WS25 turret which offers an internal reloading capability. Its low silhouette and compact size enhance the VAB MK3’s stealth and practicality in rugged or mountainous terrain.
