ARQUUS Celebrates a Milestone: Unveiling the 500th Bastion Alongside Revolutionary Engine Innovations!
This marks a significant achievement for the ARQUUS manufacturing plant in Saint-Nazaire, which has a rich history linked to the legendary VLRA (Véhicule Léger de Reconnaissance et d’Appui, Liaison, Reconnaissance and Support Vehicle) and continues to advance its legacy through the latest VLRA and the Bastion.
Crafted to address its clients’ unique requirements for a robust and highly mobile armored vehicle, ARQUUS conceptualized the Bastion in 2012, establishing it as one of the most prestigious vehicles in African military operations. By integrating a mecano-welded hull onto the new VLRA’s chassis, ARQUUS has developed a straightforward, durable, and resilient solution that is primed for production, easy to maintain, and ensures broad compatibility with existing VLRA fleets worldwide.
Exceptionally safeguarded against ballistic and landmine threats, the Bastion can transport an entire 8-soldier combat unit, along with comprehensive equipment, due to its ample internal space. Already utilized by various African military forces, it is celebrated for its user-friendly design, robust construction, and versatility. Recently, the G5 Sahel alliance selected the Bastion to equip several member armies in their battle against armed militant factions. With these recent acquisitions, the Bastion has achieved a total of 500 operational units globally, solidifying its position as the preferred armored vehicle in the African military landscape.
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MARCH 23, 2020
As part of ARQUUS’s product innovation, the Bastion is now launched in a new variant featuring a four-cylinder, 270hp engine. This power boost offers the Bastion enhanced speed and maneuverability over obstacles, significantly improving its performance across all operational environments. This new model complements the traditional 180hp variant, illustrating ARQUUS’s proficiency in adapting vehicle capabilities to meet military requirements and field insights.
Central to the Bastion and fundamental to the heritage of ARQUUS Saint-Nazaire is the renowned VLRA. Since 1967, the VLRA has equipped military forces, beginning with the Légion Etrangère and Troupes de Marine, as well as the French Special Forces. An authentic mechanical dromedary, the VLRA has built a distinctive reputation over the years for its ability to navigate challenging terrain. With a range of 1,400 kilometers, a water tank, and remarkable endurance, the VLRA continues to be the vehicle of choice for extensive missions and demanding tasks, affirming its status as a true successor to the Long Range Desert Patrols.
After over fifty years of steadfast service, more than 600 VLRAs remain operational in the Army, across over 75 diverse configurations, underscoring the vehicle’s resilience and adaptability. In its command vehicle configuration, the VLRA is prominently used by the French President during National Day celebrations.
A new variant of the VLRA was revealed by ARQUUS in 2009, boosting payload capacity by over one tonne, enhancing cabin ergonomics for an additional front seat, and reducing the turning radius. The Bastion is constructed upon the chassis of this latest iteration. To date, ARQUUS has produced over 1,000 chassis for the new VLRA and the Bastion since 2009.
