ARQUUS Partners with Barzan Holdings to Transform 54 VABs in Qatar’s Defense Landscape
Arquus is delighted to unveil a new partnership with Barzan Holdings, enhancing our industrial cooperation.
During Eurosatory, Arquus is pleased to host Barzan Holdings at its stand to formalize a contract for the upgrade of 54 VABs conducted in Qatar.
The Qatar Armed Forces originally procured VAB Mk1 vehicles in 1982, which have received ongoing support from Arquus ever since. In 2018, QAF opted to prolong the lifespan of these vehicles and entered into a modernization agreement with Arquus. This extensive program encompasses not only the enhancement and alteration of the vehicles but also their refurbishment and the training of both industrial and military staff in France and Qatar.
The initial VABs are currently undergoing modernization in France, while a production facility is being established at a military site in Qatar. To date, 126 vehicles have been successfully upgraded.
Arquus is honored to be the first French defense manufacturer to localize the assembly of military vehicles in Qatar, a notable milestone that evokes pride for both Arquus and the Qatari armed forces.
In July 2023, the French Minister of the Armed Forces, Sébastien Lecornu, toured the VAB assembly line in Qatar, underscoring the prospects for domestic production of armored vehicles.
Within the same year, a contract with Barzan Holdings was successfully completed. This agreement involved training 25 Qatari cadets on the maintenance of modernized VABs over a six-month timeframe in France.
This training initiative successfully concluded with the graduation of upcoming maintenance officers, showcasing Arquus’ dedication to skill enhancement and knowledge transfer.
