KNDS Nexter introduces new version VBCI T40 Infantry Fighting Vehicle.

On 7 August 2023, Nexter released several photos of its VBCI equipped with a T40 turret, giving us the opportunity to take a closer look at the equipment and what this turret can add to the VBCI.
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VBCI French Infantry Fighting Vehicle upgraded with a T40 Turret (Picture source: Nexter KNDS)

The VBCI (Véhicule Blindé de Combat d'Infanterie) is an Infantry fighting vehicle designed and manufactured by Nexter Systems and Arquus. It was developed to replace the older AMX-10P in the French Army.

The VBCI entered active service with the French Army in 2008. By 2018, a total of 630 units had been delivered. In terms of specifications, the VBCI, whether in its VCI or VPC variant, weighs between 28.5 to 32 tons under normal combat load. It has dimensions of 7.6m in length, and 2.98m in width, and stands 3m tall. The vehicle is designed to accommodate a crew of three along with an 8-man combat team. Under the hood, it's powered by a 550 hp Renault Diesel engine, allowing it to achieve a maximum speed of 100 km/h and an operational range of 750 km.

At the DEFEA  2021 defense exhibition in Greece, Nexter presented its VBCI Philoctetes, an 8x8 armored Infantry Fighting Vehicle (IFV) fitted with a CTA 40 turret. This was followed by a live firing demonstration for the Hellenic Army at the Canjuers military camp in France, in April 2023. The demonstration showcased the vehicle's capabilities, including static and on-the-move firing with its T40 turret, tactical mobility across various terrains, and feedback from French soldiers who operated the VBCI in external operations.

The CTA 40 turret, also known as the CTAI 40mm or the 40 CTA (Cased Telescoped Armament) turret, is a modern weapon system developed jointly by Nexter (France) and BAE Systems (UK). It uses cased telescoped ammunition, offering advantages like reduced volume, increased firepower, and improved handling characteristics. The turret can be mounted on various armored fighting vehicles, including the VBCI, of course. Its main weapon is the 40mm cased telescoped cannon, capable of firing various ammunition types, including armor-piercing, high-explosive, airburst, and anti-tank guided munitions. The addition of a T40 turret to the VBCI increases its firepower. Its cannon being capable of firing anti-tank ammunition, it renders it better equipped to deal with this type of vehicle. The addition of new armor also makes it more resistant, all these improvements bring the VBCI up to date, and it remains to be seen exactly how effective this new version of the VBCI will be.

Nexter explored collaboration opportunities with Hellenic Defense Systems and Saracakis, a Greek company, to provide localized support for the VBCI Philoctetes in Greece. This partnership aims to enhance the local defense industry and strengthen ties between France and Greece.