Ukraine may have received first French-made VAB Mk3 6x6 infantry fighting vehicles for testing.

According to French Aid to Ukraine on January 26, 2025, France reportedly delivered the first six VAB Mk.3 armored personnel carriers (APCs) to Ukraine as part of a French-funded initiative to strengthen Ukraine’s defense capabilities. Manufactured by ARQUUS Defense, the French developer of the VAB series, these vehicles are equipped with Sich remote-controlled weapon stations (RCWS) developed in Ukraine. The delivery, conducted without the involvement of third countries, deviated from Ukraine’s initial request for VBCI infantry fighting vehicles.
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Ukraine's first VAB Mk.3s, a French 6x6 armored personnel carrier first introduced at Eurosatory 2012, are reportedly undergoing testing for the integration of the Sich turret and are not yet deployed in active operations. (Picture source: Army Recognition and Telegram/NIP Tysk)

If later officially confirmed by either France or Ukraine, this delivery could be part of a broader cooperation between France and Ukraine. In 2023, the French Ministry of Defense announced plans for a partnership between Arquus Defense and Ukrainian companies to locally produce spare parts and potentially manufacture VAB vehicles in Ukraine. It is worth noting that Arquus only offers the VAB Mk3 in its catalogue, as the models previously delivered to the Ukrainian army are no longer produced.

This collaboration was formalized in June 2024 with a Memorandum of Understanding focused on the maintenance and modernization of armored vehicles. Ukraine’s efforts to strengthen its domestic defense production capabilities align with this delivery. Under the leadership of Oleksandr Kamychine, head of the Ministry of Strategic Industries, Ukraine has prioritized leveraging its industrial capacity to reduce reliance on foreign suppliers and address long-term security requirements.

France has provided significant military support to Ukraine since the escalation of the conflict in 2022. Contributions have included SCALP EG cruise missiles, CAESAR 155mm howitzers, Exocet anti-ship missiles, and over 260 VAB APCs of earlier generations. Additional deliveries have included reconnaissance drones, 1.1 million rounds of ammunition, motorized floating bridges, and training for Ukrainian forces. In 2022, France established a €200 million fund to facilitate Ukraine’s procurement of French defense equipment.

A bilateral security agreement signed in 2024 commits France to providing up to €3 billion in additional military aid over ten years. Previous deliveries under this agreement have included air defense systems such as SAMP/T and Crotale NG batteries, two 227mm LRU MLRS, AMX-10 RCR vehicles, and MO-120 RT mortars. Additional equipment has ranged from man-portable air defense systems and anti-tank guided missiles to handheld weapons.

Financial aid has included €1.6 billion in pre-war funding and €2 billion in 2022 through donations and loans. France has also allocated €500 million to the European Peace Facility and offered favorable financial terms for Ukrainian equipment procurement. Logistical and humanitarian contributions have included helmets, bulletproof vests, medical kits, combat rations, prefabricated bridges, and maintenance vehicles, along with training programs for Ukrainian personnel.

First introduced at the Eurosatory exhibition in 2012, the VAB Mk.3 is a French 6x6 armored personnel carrier (APC) weighing 20 tons, capable of carrying a crew of two and eight troops. It offers Level 4 ballistic protection under STANAG 4569, designed to withstand 14.5mm armor-piercing rounds, 155mm artillery fragments, and improvised explosive devices. Powered by a Renault MD7 engine with 400 horsepower, the vehicle is suitable for diverse terrains and can be transported by C-130 aircraft. The delivered units retain their factory desert camouflage, which differs from standard French and Ukrainian patterns.

The VAB Mk.3 is compatible with various weapon systems, including BAE Systems' TRT-25 turret as well as John Cockerill's 90mm cannon. As reported by NIP Tysk on January 25, 2025, the Ukrainian variant is armed with the Sich (Spear) remote-controlled weapon station (RCWS). The Sich RCWS installed on the Ukrainian variant includes a ZTM-1 30mm cannon, a PKT 7.62mm machine gun, and an AG-30 automatic grenade launcher. Operated remotely via an internal control panel, it is equipped with day-and-night thermal imaging, a laser rangefinder, and two-plane stabilization, enabling accurate fire while on the move. The Sich RCWS has previously been installed on platforms such as the Varta 2 armored vehicle and the BMP-1TS, demonstrating compatibility with various vehicle configurations.

In comparison, Ukraine's existing infantry fighting vehicles (IFVs), such as the BMP-1, have been noted for vulnerabilities, including thinner armor and design limitations that can compromise crew safety. The VAB Mk.III's enhanced protection and modern weapon systems represent an advancement over these older models. However, the actual performance of the VAB Mk.III against Russian forces will depend on various factors, including deployment strategies and battlefield conditions.