French defense company Nexter presented the VBCI PHILOCTETES, an 8x8 wheeled armored Infantry Fighting Vehicle (IFV), to the Hellenic Army during a live firing demonstration at the Canjuers military camp in France in April 2023. The IFV was first unveiled at the DEFEA defense exhibition in Greece in July 2021.
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The VBCI PHILOCTETES IFV 8x8 Infantry Fighting Vehicle fitted with a CTA 40 turret was unveiled at the DEFEA defense exhibition in Greece in July 2021.(Picture source Army Recognition)

Nexter signed a partnership with Hellenic Defense Systems in 2022 and is currently exploring collaboration opportunities with Saracakis, a Greek company, to localize support for the VBCI PHILOCTETES in Greece. This partnership aims to boost the local defense industry and strengthen ties between the two nations.

During the three-day demonstration in April 2023, the Greek army delegation observed the capabilities of the PHILOCTETES. The event included static and moving shots with its T40 turret, tactical mobility on various terrains, and feedback from French soldiers who have operated the VBCI (MkI) in external operations. The demonstration allowed the Greek army to gain a comprehensive understanding of the IFV's capabilities in terms of mobility, protection, modularity, and firepower, as proposed by Nexter.

The collaboration between Nexter and Greek companies aims to foster cooperation in the defense sector and bring benefits to the local industry while meeting the Hellenic Army's future requirements.

The VBCI (Véhicule Blindé de Combat d'Infanterie) is a wheeled armored Infantry Fighting Vehicle (IFV) designed and manufactured by the French defense company Nexter (formerly known as Giat Industries). The VBCI was developed to replace the aging AMX-10P tracked IFV in service with the French Army. The development of VBCI began in the late 1990s, with the first prototype being completed in 2000. The vehicle entered service with the French Army in 2008.

The VBCI is an 8x8 wheeled vehicle, offering improved mobility, protection, and versatility compared to its tracked predecessor. The vehicle is designed to carry a crew of three, including a driver, commander, and gunner, as well as nine infantry soldiers. The VBCI in the French Army is equipped with with a one-man Nexter Dragar turret armed with a dual-feed 25mm NATO cannon type 25 M811 with 150 rounds in the turret and a coaxial 7.62mm machine gun. In all weather conditions, the Tarask® turret provides the dismounted combat units with effective fire support.

The VBCI PHILOCTETES is fitted with a CTA T-40 turret designed and manufactured by CTA International, a joint venture between two major defense companies, Nexter Systems of France and BAE Systems of the United Kingdom.

The CTA 40, also known as the CTAI 40mm or the 40 CTA (Cased Telescoped Armament) turret, is a modern weapon system developed as a joint venture between Nexter (France) and BAE Systems (United Kingdom). The key feature of this turret is its use of cased telescoped ammunition, which offers several advantages over traditional ammunition, such as reduced volume, increased firepower, and better handling characteristics.

The CTA 40 turret is designed to be mounted on various armored fighting vehicles, including the VBCI, as well as other wheeled and tracked platforms. The turret is remotely operated, providing increased protection for the vehicle crew and allowing for better situational awareness.

The main weapon of the CTA 40 turret is the 40mm cased telescoped cannon, which is capable of firing a range of ammunition types, including armor-piercing, high-explosive, airburst, and anti-tank guided munitions. The versatile and effective ammunition allows the turret to engage a wide range of targets, including infantry, light armored vehicles, and helicopters.

In addition to the main 40mm cannon, the CTA 40 turret can also be equipped with a secondary weapon, typically a 7.62mm coaxial machine gun for engaging lighter targets and providing suppressive fire. The turret features advanced fire control systems, including a day/night sight and a laser rangefinder, ensuring accurate and effective engagement of targets at various ranges.