Arquus successfully concludes VT4 tactical vehicle delivery program for French Army.

On July 27, 2023, the French Directorate General of Armaments (DGA) announced the reception of the final lot of 10 VT4 tactical vehicles at Standard 2, successfully completing the procurement program. The VT4 tactical vehicle, developed by ACMAT (a subsidiary of Arquus, formerly Renault Trucks Defense), was designed to replace the aging Peugeot P4 vehicles used by the French Army.
Follow Army Recognition on Google News at this link

Three ACMAT VT4 spotted in the street in 2022 (Picture source BouchetSmith/Twitter)

This reception marks the completion of a delivery schedule that was executed in accordance with the 2019-2025 Military Programming Law (LPM), thanks to the efforts of state and industrial stakeholders. A total of 4,380 VT4 vehicles have been delivered to the three branches of the military, the Operational Energy Service, the Joint Interministerial Service for Ammunition (SIMu), and the National Guard.

The VT4 program, also known as VLTP-NP (Véhicule léger tactique polyvalent – Non protégé), was initiated by the French Army to replace the aging Peugeot P4 vehicles, which had been in service since the 1980s. The French Ministry of Armed Forces placed an initial order for 1,000 VT4 vehicles from Arquus (formerly Renault Trucks Defense) in 2016. The first examples of these vehicles were scheduled for delivery in the autumn of 2018.

Subsequently, the Direction Générale de l’Armement (DGA) placed a new order on 6 September 2018 for an additional 1,200 VT4 vehicles, as part of a larger contract signed in late 2016. The overall contract aimed to acquire a total of 4,380 vehicles, out of which 3,980 were designated for the Army de Terre. This significant order was a part of the effort to renew the aging military assets of the French forces.

In comparison to the previous Peugeot P4, the VT4 offers enhanced comfort and safety features, making it a significant upgrade. The vehicle comes with air conditioning and a sound-insulated cabin, ensuring a more comfortable environment for the occupants during operations. Safety features such as hill-start assist, descent control, anti-lock braking system (ABS), and electronic stability program (ESP) contribute to enhanced control and stability during road travel.

The VT4 also comes equipped with modern communication and positioning systems to support military operations effectively. It can be fitted with the SITEL (Army of the Land Information and Communications System), ensuring seamless communication between the vehicle and other units on the battlefield. Additionally, the VT4 features two PR4G radio stations with integrated encryption, enhancing secure communication capabilities. Furthermore, a satellite positioning system like the DAGR (Defence Advanced GPS Receiver) provides accurate location information, crucial for navigation during missions.

ACMAT modified the Ford Everest to create the VT4, employing several enhancements to meet military requirements. The vehicle's height was raised to accommodate its tactical role, and controls were reinforced to increase durability in challenging environments. Hooks were added to enable air transportation, facilitating rapid deployment to various locations when needed.

The VT4, measuring 5.30 meters in length, 2.16 meters in width (1.86 meters without mirrors), and 2.06 meters in height, has an empty weight of 2.66 tonnes. It has a Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (PTAC) of 3.5 tonnes and a Gross Train Weight (PTRA) of 4.25 tonnes, with a payload capacity of 770 kg. The VT4 can reach a maximum speed of 165 km/h and has a range of 800 km on a single tank.

Manufactured by Arquus since 2018 at their Saint-Nazaire facility, the VT4 is a militarized version of the civilian Ford Everest. Key adaptations include reinforced off-road capabilities, pre-equipment for radio integration and operational information systems, as well as weapon mounts and removable glass protection.

The procurement process for the VT4 included two standards: VT4 Standard 1, which focused primarily on mobility and underwent an upgrade to Standard 2 before 2023, and VT4 Standard 2, deployable in stabilized foreign theaters of operation.

The VT4 serves various missions, including operational liaisons, securing military and sensitive facilities, and supporting training and maneuvers. The planned delivery timeline included the delivery of 500 Standard 1 vehicles between October and December 2018 and the planned delivery of the first 500 Standard 2 vehicles between September and December 2019.

The VT4 program aimed to provide a total of 4,380 interarm VT4 vehicles (500 Standard 1 and 3,880 Standard 2) to the three armed forces by the end of the Military Programming Law (LPM) in 2025. This allocation included 3,980 vehicles for the Army, 275 for the Air Force, 65 for the Navy, 40 for the Armed Forces Fuel Service (SEA), and 20 for the Joint Munitions Service (SIMu).

The DGA's acquisition of the VT4 Standard 2 vehicles represents a significant milestone in enhancing France's defense capabilities. The collaboration between the DGA and Arquus has been integral to the success of the procurement project. The VT4 program aims to advance the French military's mobility and operational readiness for various defense missions both domestically and internationally.