“Revolutionizing Qatar’s Infantry: Nexter Unveils the VBCI at DIMDEX 2024”

• Nexter presents a fully French solution delivering the latest iteration of the combat-tested French Infantry Fighting Vehicle (VBCI MkII) to bolster the Qatar Armed Forces.
• The French initiative aids in advancing the Qatar Emiri Defence Industrial and Technological Base, consistent with the 2030 vision for Qatar: a final assembly line, maintenance and support, along with the production of a broad spectrum of ammunition will be localized, enhancing Qatar’s sovereignty.
• Nexter also highlights its cutting-edge ammunition selection for medium-caliber artillery and main battle tanks, compatible with the Leopard 2 and PZH 2000.

The VBCI MkII delivers to Qatar Armed Forces

Nexter, a member of KNDS, boasts a rich history of collaboration in the realm of armored vehicles, such as the AMX 30, with the Qatar Armed Forces. Currently, we aim to revitalize this partnership with a modern 8×8 infantry fighting vehicle, benefiting from years of successful assessments in Qatar, along with insights gathered by the French Army.

The VBCI MkII is an enhanced variant of the French Army’s model already in operation. Its new T40 turret incorporates an Akeron MP missile and a 40mm cased-telescoped ammunition (CTA) cannon that can breach 140mm of armor at a distance of 1500m. These armaments address all types of ground threats from infantry to main battle tanks.

Field-tested by the French military for over 10 years, the VBCI has exhibited remarkable combat proficiency. For instance, the VBCI safeguarded the lives of all crew members and troops it transported during military operations.

The JAGUAR for reconnaissance and combat endeavors

The JAGUAR reconnaissance and combat vehicle is the latest cavalry asset introduced into service with the French forces in 2021, and is set to be deployed within the Belgian army. The JAGUAR is the ideal blend of expertise from Nexter, Arquus, and Thales.

Its turret features the 40CTA cannon and the Akeron MP missile. This 25t vehicle unites cutting-edge armaments, the latest vetronics for communication and combat, alongside exceptional mobility.

The JAGUAR showcased at our booth is fitted with the manned T40 turret. The T40 is a turret family employing the same weapon system. Thanks to the 60° elevation range of the cannon and the new Anti-Aerial Air Burst Ammunition, the RCT40 will enhance Counter-UAV capabilities.

An extensive ammunition assortment

Nexter’s ammunition collection encompasses a majority of NATO calibers for main battle tanks, naval, and terrestrial systems:

• The 40mm CTA utilized by the VBCI MkII and the JAGUAR, featuring an APDSFS capable of overcoming 140mm armor at 1500m.
• The 155mm such as the KATANA next-generation high-precision guided artillery shell.
• The 120mm for MBT like the SHARD new APFSDS that surpasses existing models by over 10%.