Advanced negotiations underway for VBCI Philoctetes armored vehicles for the Greek Army.

According to Defencereview.gr, advanced-level negotiations are underway between the Army General Staff (AGS) and the French defense contractor NEXTER (KNDS). These discussions center around a comprehensive French proposal for the acquisition of VBCI Philoctetes wheeled vehicles, aimed at meeting the operational needs of the Greek Army. The AGS is closely monitoring these negotiations, showing a positive stance towards the new French proposal submitted a few weeks ago, which is expected to be discussed and approved at an upcoming Supreme Military Council (SMC) meeting.
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The VBCI Philoctetes' firepower can be augmented with options for a remotely controlled weapon station equipped with 7.62 or 12.7mm machine guns and dual Akeron-MP anti-tank missile launchers (Picture source: Army Recognition )

NEXTER's proposal, spanning over 100 pages, outlines a complete financing package from French financial institutions backed by state guarantees. It details the procurement of 200 VBCI Philoctetes Wheeled Armored Combat Vehicles (TOMA) for the Greek Army, with provisions for local co-production. The proposal not only covers the initial acquisition but also includes an additional 50 specialized TOMAs to fulfill various operational roles such as administrative support, medical units, Mobile Repair Teams (MRT), and artillery observers.

An interim solution offered in the proposal addresses immediate operational needs. It suggests the quick delivery of 120 used VBCIs from the reserves of the French Army, leading to a total acquisition of 350 – 370 TOMAs, with 250 being new units. The proposal emphasizes the involvement of the Greek defense industry in the project, with METKA and Hellenic Defense Systems (EAS) playing key roles in the co-production of these advanced vehicles.

The GES staff views the proposal favorably, particularly due to the advanced features of the TOMA Philoctetes. The VBCI Philoctetes is equipped with the CTA T-40 turret, a collaboration between Nexter Systems from France and BAE Systems from the United Kingdom, under the joint venture CTA International.

This modern weapon system, known both as the CTAI 40mm or 40 CTA (Cased Telescoped Armament) turret, stands out for its innovative use of cased telescoped ammunition. This technology offers significant advantages, including reduced storage space, enhanced firepower, and improved handling compared to traditional ammunition types. Designed for integration on a variety of armored vehicles, such as the VBCI, and suitable for both wheeled and tracked platforms, the turret operates remotely. This feature not only enhances crew protection but also improves situational awareness through remote operation capabilities.

The primary armament of the CTA 40 turret is a 40mm cased telescoped cannon, capable of firing various types of ammunition like armor-piercing, high-explosive, airburst, and anti-tank guided munitions. This wide range of ammunition enables the turret to effectively engage diverse targets, from infantry and light armored vehicles to helicopters.

Furthermore, the turret can be outfitted with a secondary armament, typically a 7.62mm coaxial machine gun, for engaging softer targets and providing suppressive fire. It is equipped with sophisticated fire control systems, including day/night sights and a laser rangefinder, to ensure precise and effective target engagement across different distances.

The proposal also outlines a comprehensive support package, ensuring the Greek Army's self-sufficiency in vehicle maintenance. It highlights the ergonomic design and comfort of the infantry transport cabin, as well as the vehicle's superior armor protection index, capable of withstanding threats from mines and improvised explosive devices (IEDs). Notably, the vehicle's survivability and protection can be tailored to specific requirements, including enhanced ballistic and RPG protection.

On July 1, 2018, the resilience of similar vehicles was demonstrated when two VBCIs of the French Army survived a large-scale car bomb explosion, showcasing the robust design and protective capabilities of these armored vehicles.

Defense News March 2024