View source for Engineering:VBCI

The '''véhicule blindé de combat d'infanterie''' ([[Social:English language|English]]: ''armoured infantry fighting vehicle'') or '''VBCI''' is a French [[Engineering:Infantry fighting vehicle|Infantry fighting vehicle]] designed and manufactured by ''GIAT Industries'' (now [[Company:Nexter Systems|Nexter Systems]]) and Renault Trucks Defense (now Arquus) to replace the [[Engineering:AMX-10P|AMX-10P]].<ref name=Janes>{{cite book|title=Jane's international defense review: IDR., Volume 37, Issues 1-6|year=2004|publisher=Jane's Information Group|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=neG5AAAAIAAJ&q=%22V%C3%A9hicule+blind%C3%A9+de+combat+d'infanterie%22|access-date=14 February 2011|quote=It had therefore confined itself to wheeled vehicles in the VBM program and concentrated after 1996 on the development of a single 8x8 IFV, the Vehicule Blinde de Combat d'Infanterie (VBCI).}}</ref> The first units entered active service with the French Army in 2008. A total of 630 units were ordered and full delivery was completed in 2018. They are available in two core variants, the ''VCI'' infantry fighting vehicle and the ''VPC'' command post vehicle.

The VBCI is built on an aluminium hull which carries a modular THD steel and titanium armour that can be replaced in the field. The 8x8 wheeled design was chosen to make the VBCI more comfortable as well as easier and less costly to maintain on war theaters than a tracked vehicle would be, while giving it sufficient mobility to complement the [[Engineering:Leclerc tank|Leclerc tank]]. The VBCI is also designed to be transportable by the Airbus A400M.

== History ==
[[File:Bastille Day Parade 2017, VBCI of the 16th battalion of chasseurs.jpg|thumb|left|Bastille Day Parade 2017, VBCI of the 16th battalion of chasseurs.]]
[[File:VBCI, Renault X8A and AMX-30.jpg|thumb|The Renault X8A demonstrator, used to experiment towards the VCBI. An actual VCBI is in the background. On display at the [[Musée des Blindés]] in Saumur.]]
In the early 1990s, the French government started the VBM (''Véhicule Blindé Modulaire''&nbsp;— Modular Armoured Vehicle) as a replacement for its older IFVs. Soon, Germany and the United Kingdom joined the project. At Eurosatory 1996, Renault unveiled the X8A, an eight-wheeled prototype in this perspective.<ref>[http://www.chars-francais.net/2015/index.php/10-archives/de-1990-nos-jours/1580-1996-renault-x8a 1996 RENAULT X8A] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160304185910/http://www.chars-francais.net/2015/index.php/10-archives/de-1990-nos-jours/1580-1996-renault-x8a |date=4 March 2016 }}, chars-francais.net</ref>

However, in 1999, the programme came to a dead-end, and France decided to carry on on its own and ordered 700 vehicles on 6 November 2000. In 2003–2004, the programme reached some major milestones: The mobility/agility tests, the armour tests and the electronic systems tests were all successful. From 2004 to 2005, the first five prototypes (four VCIs and one VPC) were tested in real conditions. These tests proved some crucial design mistakes on the DRAGAR turret, which had to be redesigned. The two years delay in the programme are consequences of this design flaw.

As the programme reaches completion, other variants are being studied. A mortar version and a vehicle using the MILAN Missile have been considered by the developer. Note that none of these variants are being developed as of now, but feasibility studies are being conducted. In June 2007, VBCI was being considered for the British FRES programme.<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://www.mod.uk/defenceinternet/defencenews/equipmentandlogistics/draysonnewvehicleswillhavevitalparttoplayinthearmyofthefuture.htm |title=Drayson: New vehicles will have "vital part to play in the Army of the future" |access-date=23 December 2008 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070711050356/http://www.mod.uk/DefenceInternet/DefenceNews/EquipmentAndLogistics/DraysonNewVehiclesWillHavevitalPartToPlayInTheArmyOfTheFuture.htm |archive-date=11 July 2007 |url-status=live }}</ref>

[[File:Soldats français à Gao2.PNG|thumb|French soldiers and VBCIs near [[Gao]], Mali, in March or April 2013.]]
France originally planned to buy 550 VCI and 150 of the VPC command version, but this was cut to 510 and 120 respectively with deliveries until 2015.<ref name=Francebudget2012>{{Cite web | url=http://www.senat.fr/rap/a12-150-8/a12-150-815.html#toc290 | title=Projet de loi de finances pour 2013 : Défense: équipement des forces | language=fr | publisher=Senate of France | date=22 November 2012 | access-date=2013-11-07 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130326234111/http://www.senat.fr/rap/a12-150-8/a12-150-815.html#toc290 | archive-date=26 March 2013 | url-status=live }}</ref> The €3.49bn (FY2012) project will deliver 630 units at a unit cost of €3.49m (~US$4.8m) for the VCI and €2.74m (~US$3.7m) for the VPC, or €5.5m (~US$7.4m) per vehicle including development costs.<ref name=Francebudget2012 />

The 200th VBCI was delivered to the French army on 23 June 2010.<ref>{{cite web | title=The DGA delivers the 200th VBCI to the French Army | publisher=defpro | year=2010 | url=http://www.defpro.com/news/details/16099/ | access-date=2010-06-16 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120317030646/http://www.defpro.com/news/details/16099/ | archive-date=17 March 2012  }}</ref> The 400th VBCI was delivered to the French army on 12 June 2012.<ref>{{cite web | title=400 VBCI et un millier de PVP livrés à l'armée de Terre | publisher=Meretmarine | year=2012 | url=http://www.meretmarine.com/article.cfm?id=119861 | access-date=2012-06-14 | archive-date=27 July 2020 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200727073058/http://www.meretmarine.com/article.cfm?id=119861 | url-status=dead }}</ref> The first unit to be equipped with the new [[Engineering:Infantry fighting vehicle|infantry fighting vehicle]] was the 35th Infantry Regiment in Belfort.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.defense.gouv.fr/terre/layout/set/popup/layout/set/popup/layout/set/popup/content/view/full/141875|title=Présentation de la formation "VBCI" au 35e régiment d'infanterie.|access-date=21 December 2008|archive-date=23 February 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120223164607/http://www.defense.gouv.fr/terre/layout/set/popup/layout/set/popup/layout/set/popup/content/view/full/141875|url-status=dead}}</ref> The 500th VBCI was delivered to the French Army on 8 July 2013. Delivery of 110 command post vehicles has been completed.<ref>[http://www.armyrecognition.com/july_2013_news_defence_security_industry_military/french_army_takes_delivery_of_the_500th_vbci_8x8_armoured_infantry_fighting_vehicle_0807132.html French army takes delivery of the 500th VBCI 8x8 armoured infantry fighting vehicle] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131007101654/http://www.armyrecognition.com/july_2013_news_defence_security_industry_military/french_army_takes_delivery_of_the_500th_vbci_8x8_armoured_infantry_fighting_vehicle_0807132.html |date=7 October 2013 }} - Armyrecognition.com, 8 July 2013</ref>

At Eurosatory 2014, Nexter unveiled improvements to the VBCI IFV variant following trials. The rear wheels have steering to reduce its turning radius to 20 meters, and rear internal volume was increased by moving electrical equipment to the front of the vehicle. To make room for the equipment, the driver's seat was pulled back and two sloping angles were added to the front end for the driver to maintain visibility.<ref>[http://www.shephardmedia.com/news/landwarfareintl/eurosatory-nexter-modifies-vbci-troop-carrier/ Nexter modifies VBCI troop carrier] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150715062812/http://www.shephardmedia.com/news/landwarfareintl/eurosatory-nexter-modifies-vbci-troop-carrier/ |date=15 July 2015 }} - Shephardmedia.com, 18 June 2014</ref> In September 2014, the French Army Procurement Agency (DGA) declared the qualification of a new version of the VBCI with a 32-ton gross vehicle weight, compared to 29 tons previously. The increase in gross weight allows the vehicle to have better protection and preserves its capability to be upgraded.<ref>[http://www.armyrecognition.com/october_2014_global_defense_security_news_uk/french_army_procurement_agency_qualifies_new_32_tons_variant_nexter_vbci_infantry_fighting_vehicle_0.html French army procurement agency qualifies new 32 tons variant Nexter VBCI infantry fighting vehicle] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141005050953/http://www.armyrecognition.com/october_2014_global_defense_security_news_uk/french_army_procurement_agency_qualifies_new_32_tons_variant_nexter_vbci_infantry_fighting_vehicle_0.html |date=5 October 2014 }} - Armyrecognition.com, 2 October 2014</ref> The 32-ton configuration will be delivered to the French armed forces starting in 2015.<ref>[http://www.deagel.com/news/French-Defense-Procurement-Agency-Qualifies-the-32-Tons-VBCI-Armored-Vehicle_n000013200.aspx French Defense Procurement Agency Qualifies the 32 Tons VBCI Armored Vehicle] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141006124435/http://www.deagel.com/news/French-Defense-Procurement-Agency-Qualifies-the-32-Tons-VBCI-Armored-Vehicle_n000013200.aspx |date=6 October 2014 }} - Deagel.com, 2 October 2014</ref>

===United Kingdom===
In July 2014, France agreed to loan 19 VBCIs to the British Army for testing.<ref>{{cite news |title=19 VBCI et 2 CAESAR mis à disposition de la British Army, sur le sol français, pour six mois |url=http://lignesdedefense.blogs.ouest-france.fr/archive/2014/07/04/19-vbci-et-2-caesar-mis-a-disposition-de-la-british-army-sur-le-sol-francai.html |agency=Ouest France |date=4 July 2014}}</ref> It had been reported a few months prior that the British Army was interested in the vehicle for its Mechanised Infantry Vehicle program.<ref>[http://dmilt.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=9352:uk-army-to-field-test-french-vbci-afv-&catid=1:europe&Itemid=57 UK; Army to field test French VBCI AFV] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140301061055/http://dmilt.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=9352:uk-army-to-field-test-french-vbci-afv-&catid=1:europe&Itemid=57 |date=1 March 2014 }} - Dmilt.com, 24 February 2014</ref><ref>[http://www.armyrecognition.com/february_2014_global_defense_security_news_uk/british_army_could_be_interested_to_purchase_nexter_vbci_8x8_armoured_infantry_fighting_vehicle_0202.html British Army could be interested to purchase Nexter VBCI 8x8 armoured infantry fighting vehicle] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140303134007/http://www.armyrecognition.com/february_2014_global_defense_security_news_uk/british_army_could_be_interested_to_purchase_nexter_vbci_8x8_armoured_infantry_fighting_vehicle_0202.html |date=3 March 2014 }} - Armyrecognition.com, 2 February 2014</ref> In February 2014, it had also been that the French Army may purchase the British Watchkeeper WK450 [[Engineering:Unmanned aerial vehicle|unmanned aerial vehicle]] if the British Army opted for the VBCI.<ref>[http://www.armyrecognition.com/february_2014_global_defense_security_news_uk/france_negotiates_acquisition_of_watchkeeper_drones_against_purchase_of_vbci_armoured_by_uk_2002143.html France negotiates acquisition of Watchkeeper drones against purchase of VBCI armoured by UK] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150714214334/http://www.armyrecognition.com/february_2014_global_defense_security_news_uk/france_negotiates_acquisition_of_watchkeeper_drones_against_purchase_of_vbci_armoured_by_uk_2002143.html |date=14 July 2015 }} - Armyrecognition.com, 20 February 2014</ref> Ultimately, no deal was reached between the two countries. In November 2019, the British Army announced its selection of the [[Engineering:Boxer (armoured fighting vehicle)|Boxer]] for its MIV program.<ref>{{cite news |title=BOXER for the British Army |url=https://www.army.mod.uk/news-and-events/news/2019/11/boxer/ |agency=British Army |date=5 November 2019}}</ref>

===Qatar===
In December 2017, during a visit by French President Emmanuel Macron, Qatar announced it intended to purchase 490 Nexter VBCI vehicles.<ref>{{cite web|last1=Lamigeon|first1=Vincent|title=Rafale, blindés VBCI: le Qatar, nouveau paradis des vendeurs d'armes français|url=https://www.challenges.fr/entreprise/defense/rafale-blindes-vbci-le-qatar-nouveau-paradis-des-vendeurs-d-armes-francais_518447|website=Challenges|access-date=26 December 2017|archive-url=https://archive.today/20171226215427/https://www.challenges.fr/entreprise/defense/rafale-blindes-vbci-le-qatar-nouveau-paradis-des-vendeurs-d-armes-francais_518447|archive-date=26 December 2017|language=fr|date=7 December 2017|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|last1=Blandin|first1=Laetitia|title=VBCI sets new major milestones in Qatar|url=http://www.nexter-group.fr/en/component/content/article/773-le-vbci-franchit-des-nouveaux-jalons-majeurs-au-qatar|website=Nexter Group|access-date=26 December 2017|archive-url=https://archive.today/20171226215603/http://www.nexter-group.fr/en/component/content/article/773-le-vbci-franchit-des-nouveaux-jalons-majeurs-au-qatar|archive-date=26 December 2017|location=Versailles-Satory|date=19 December 2017|url-status=live}}</ref> Negotiations continue to be under way for the exact loadout of the 490 vehicles, with American, British, French, Norwegian and Belgian firms bidding for turret systems among other systems.<ref>{{cite web|last1=Tran|first1=Pierre|title=Qatar to negotiate with Nexter for armored vehicles, add-ons|url=https://www.defensenews.com/land/2017/12/11/qatar-to-negotiate-with-nexter-for-armored-vehicles-add-ons/|website=Defense News|access-date=26 December 2017|archive-url=https://archive.today/20171226215907/https://www.defensenews.com/land/2017/12/11/qatar-to-negotiate-with-nexter-for-armored-vehicles-add-ons/|archive-date=26 December 2017|location=Paris|date=11 December 2017|url-status=live}}</ref>

In March 2018, it was reported Kongsberg would supply unmanned medium-calibre turrets and Protector remote weapons stations in the event that Qatar ordered the VBCIs in a contract worth up to US$1.94 billion.<ref>{{cite web|last1=Bingham|first1=James|title=DIMDEX 2018: Kongsberg selected for Qatari VBCI turrets|url=http://www.janes.com/article/78550/dimdex-2018-kongsberg-selected-for-qatari-vbci-turrets|website=IHS Jane's 360|access-date=15 March 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180314004639/http://www.janes.com/article/78550/dimdex-2018-kongsberg-selected-for-qatari-vbci-turrets|archive-date=14 March 2018|location=London|date=13 March 2018|url-status=live}}</ref>

==Specifications==

=== C4ISR ===
The VBCI will be completely integrated in the French C4ISR capability. The VCI version will use the SIT (Système d'Information Terminal&nbsp;— The lowest level of C4IST in the French forces), while the VPC will use the SIR (Système d'Information Régimentaire&nbsp;— A higher level in the same system).

The vehicle will be designed to primarily carry soldiers equipped with the FÉLIN system.

=== DRAGAR turret ===
The DRAGAR turret (GIAT Industries) is a single seat modular design turret integrating a 25&nbsp;mm stabilized gun. Fire control integrates a [[Physics:Laser rangefinder|laser rangefinder]] and a thermal camera. The rate of fire is up to 400 rounds/min, and the turret allows anti-air self-defence. It also includes a coaxial 7.62&nbsp;mm machine gun for close defence and a Galix grenade launching system. The turret adds {{convert | 2000 | kg | lb}} to a vehicle's weight.<ref name=dticMethod>
{{cite web
| url         = https://apps.dtic.mil/dtic/tr/fulltext/u2/a586994.pdf#page=35
| title       = Method of Estimating the Principal Characteristics of an Infantry Fighting Vehicle from Basic Performance Requirements
| work        = INSTITUTE FOR DEFENSE ANALYSES
|author=David R. Gillingham |author2=Prashant R. Patel
| access-date  = 2019-04-28
| page        = 35
| archive-url  = https://web.archive.org/web/20190429022538/https://apps.dtic.mil/dtic/tr/fulltext/u2/a586994.pdf
| archive-date = 2019-04-29
| url-status     = live
}}
</ref>

==Variants==

===French variants===
[[File:VBCI (Véhicule blindé de combat d'infanterie) (1).JPG|thumb|A VBCI on display]]
*'''VCI (infantry fighting vehicle):''' Combat group of nine men (+ crew of two), medium calibre Dragar type turret (25&nbsp;mm), 7.62&nbsp;mm machine gun.
*'''VPC (command post vehicle):''' Two SIP stations with seven men (+ crew), self-defence turret armed with a 12.7&nbsp;mm machine gun.
* '''VBCI 32T''': The 32T variant has been developed to increase protection against improvised explosive devices as well as to facilitate the preservation of the vehicle's scalability and its adaptation to future needs. It possesses a centralized tire inflation system and a reinforced undercarriage, leading to the increase of the gross vehicle weight from 29 tons to 32 tons. Many VCI and VPC were thus delivered in this variant.
[[File:Nexter VBCI-2 T40 turret.png|thumb|VBCI-2]]

===Export variants===
*'''VTT (troop transport vehicle):''' It is designed to transport troops. It has an interior volume of 13 m<sup>3</sup> and can carry a two-man crew and up to ten soldiers with their equipment. The VTT is sized to meet export requirements and is currently being considered by several national armies.
Common features for all variants include SIT (Système d'Information Terminal) communication equipment, combat identification equipment, and NBC detection and protection equipment.

*'''VBCI-2'''
The VBCI 2 is an improved version, intended for export, with a new engine (600&nbsp;hp Volvo D13 turbocharged diesel engine), new air conditioner, and new optronic sensors. It is heavier (32 t) and the prototype is equipped with a two-man turret integrating the CTA [[Engineering:40CT cannon|40CT]] 40mm autocannon.<ref>{{cite web|title=DSEI 2015: Nexter Systems pins export hopes on VBCI-2|first=Christopher F.|last= Foss|website= IHS Jane's Defence Weekly|date=15 September 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150917011025/https://www.janes.com/article/54313/dsei-2015-nexter-systems-pins-export-hopes-on-vbci-2|archive-date=17 September 2015|url=https://www.janes.com/article/54313/dsei-2015-nexter-systems-pins-export-hopes-on-vbci-2}}</ref>
<ref>{{Cite web|title=VBCI 2 - Infantry fighting vehicle|url=http://www.military-today.com/apc/vbci_2.htm|access-date=31 March 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190331204905if_/http://www.military-today.com/apc/vbci_2.htm|archive-date=31 March 2019|url-status=usurped}}</ref>

==Operators==
===Current operators===

; {{flag|France}} (630)
: 630 VBCI Mk I delivered to the French Army between 2008 and 2018 (520 VCI and 120 VPC).<ref>{{Cite web |last=Valpolini |first=Paolo |date=2023-05-15 |title=DEFEA 2023 - Nexter further details its Philoctetes 8x8 offer for Greece following a demonstration in France |url=https://www.edrmagazine.eu/nexter-further-details-its-philoctetes-8x8-offer-for-greece-following-a-demonstration-in-france |access-date=2024-07-03 |website=EDR Magazine |language=en-GB}}</ref>

===Potential operators===
; {{flag|Greece}} (up to 370)
: KNDS and Hellenic Defence Systems partnered in 2022 to offer the VBCI Philoctetes to the Hellenic Army.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2022-04-05 |title=Nexter and Hellenic Defence Systems partner to offer VBCI-2 to Greece |url=https://www.janes.com/osint-insights/defence-news/land/nexter-and-hellenic-defence-systems-partner-to-offer-vbci-2-to-greece |access-date=2024-06-26 |website=Default |language=en}}</ref> In 2024, more details regarding the potential sale of VBCI were revealed:<ref name="leq"/><ref name=":13">{{Cite web |date=2024-03-05 |title=370 VBCI Philoctete and used from Nexter for Greece? |url=https://meta-defense.fr/en/2024/03/05/vbci-philoctete-occasion-nexter-greece/ |access-date=2024-06-26 |website=meta-defense.fr |language=en}}</ref>
:* 200 VBCI-2 that would be equipped with the T40 turret (40CTC and the Akeron MP [[Engineering:Anti-tank guided missile|ATGM]])
:* 50 VBCI-2 in support configurations (sanitary, artillery observation, command)
:* 120 VBCI, second-hand from the French Army for rapid implementation
The program was confirmed in April 2025.<ref>{{cite web |title=Greece to produce VBCI Philoctetes infantry fighting vehicles through exclusive deal with France |url=https://armyrecognition.com/news/army-news/2025/greece-to-produce-vbci-philoctetes-infantry-fighting-vehicles-through-exclusive-deal-with-france |website=Army Recognition |publisher=Army Recognition |access-date=9 April 2025}}</ref>
; {{flag|Ireland}}
: The Irish Army is looking to replace its 80 Piranha III and its 27 [[Engineering:RG-32 Scout|RG-32]]. Among the potential successors are:
:* Mowag Eagle V
:* [[Engineering:Mowag Piranha V|Mowag Piranha V]]
:* [[Engineering:VBMR-L Serval|VBMR-L Serval]]
:* VBCI
:* [[Engineering:Boxer (armoured fighting vehicle)|Boxer]]
: Ireland mentions a need of 100 vehicles, a budget of €400 million. The split is unclear at the moment.<ref>{{Cite web |last=O'Toole |first=Michael |date=2025-01-12 |title=Government to spend over €400 million on armoured vehicles for Defence Forces |url=https://www.irishmirror.ie/news/irish-news/government-spend-over-400-million-34464003 |access-date=2025-02-13 |website=Irish Mirror |language=en}}</ref>

; {{flag|Qatar}} (120)
: In December 2017, a letter of intent between the Qatar and French governments was signed for 490 VBCI. In 2019, the end of negotiations was announced.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2024-04-24 |title=The possible sale of 120 VBCI 2 to Qatar could lead to others in the short term. |url=https://meta-defense.fr/en/2024/04/24/120-vbci-2-qatar-knds-france/ |access-date=2024-07-03 |website=meta-defense.fr |language=en}}</ref> As of April 2024, KNDS France also offered its turret [[Engineering:40CT cannon|T40]] on the VBCI-2 to Qatar.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Manuel |first=Rojoef |date=2024-03-06 |title=Nexter Offers Latest VBCI Infantry Fighting Vehicle to Qatar |url=https://www.thedefensepost.com/2024/03/06/qatar-vbci-infantry-fighting-vehicle-nexter/ |access-date=2024-06-26 |website=The Defense Post |language=en-us}}</ref> Discussions for a first batch of 120 VBCI-2 were ongoing.<ref name="leq">{{Cite web |date=2024-04-24 |title=Le Qatar pourrait acheter 120 véhicules blindés VBCI fabriqués par KNDS France |url=https://www.latribune.fr/entreprises-finance/industrie/aeronautique-defense/le-qatar-pourrait-acheter-120-vehicules-blindes-vbci-fabriques-par-knds-france-996066.html |access-date=2024-06-26 |website=La Tribune |language=fr}}</ref>

===Failed bids===

; {{flag|Bulgaria}} (183)
: In 2017, Bulgaria invited companies to submit offers for a future [[Engineering:Infantry fighting vehicle|IFV]] and other combat support vehicles (reconnaissance, combat engineering, ambulance) based on a 8×8 armoured vehicles. Over time, several offers were made by various competitors ([[Engineering:Boxer (armoured fighting vehicle)|GTK Boxer]], [[Engineering:Mowag Piranha V|Mowag Piranha V]], Nexter VBCI 2, [[Engineering:Patria AMV|Patria AMV<sup>XP</sup>]], [[Engineering:Freccia IFV|Freccia]], [[Engineering:Otokar Arma|Otokar Arma]], [[Engineering:FNSS Pars|FNSS PARS]]). The Boxer was eliminated with the VBCI in December 2017 because they did not fulfil the conditions of the program, while the [[Engineering:Mowag Piranha V|Piranha V]] and the [[Engineering:Patria AMV|Patria AMV<sup>XP</sup>]] did.
: After years of discussions and cancellations, an offer made by [[Company:General Dynamics Land Systems|General Dynamics Land Systems]] for a much smaller and cheaper [[Engineering:Stryker|Stryker]] won the contract in September 2023, 183 vehicles for USD $1.37 billion.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Adamowski |first=Jaroslaw |date=2023-09-25 |title=Bulgarian government approves $1.37 billion Stryker order |url=https://www.defensenews.com/global/europe/2023/09/25/bulgarian-government-approves-137-billion-stryker-order/ |access-date=2023-10-01 |website=Defense News |language=en}}</ref>
; {{DEN}} (309)
: The [[Engineering:Mowag Piranha V|Piranha V]] was selected over the [[Engineering:Combat Vehicle 90|CV90 Armadillo]] the PMMC G5 and the VBCI.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Eshel |first=Tamir |date=2015-05-02 |title=Denmark to buy hundreds of Swiss Piranha 5 APCs to replace aeging M-113s - Defense Update |url=https://defense-update.com/20150502_piranha_denmark.html |access-date=2024-06-26 |language=en-US}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://defence-blog.com/deliveries-of-piranha-5-armored-vehicles-for-denmark-will-commence-in-2018/|title=Deliveries of «Piranha 5» armored vehicles for Denmark will commence in 2018}}</ref>
; {{flag|Lithuania}}
: In 2016, the [[Engineering:Boxer (armoured fighting vehicle)|GTK Boxer]] was selected over the [[Engineering:Iveco SuperAV|Iveco SUPERAV]], the [[Engineering:FNSS Pars|PARS III]], the [[Engineering:Patria AMV|Patria AMV]], the [[Engineering:Mowag Piranha V|Piranha V]], the [[Engineering:Stryker|Stryker]] and the VBCI-2.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Barreira |first=Victor M. S. |date=2016-01-21 |title=Lithuania selects German GTK Boxer AFV |url=https://www.defenceiq.com/army-land-forces/articles/lithuania-selects-german-gtk-boxer-af |access-date=2024-06-26 |website=Defence IQ |language=en}}</ref>
; {{flag|Poland}}
: In 2002, Poland selected the future multi-role vehicle intended to replace the [[Engineering:OT-64 SKOT|OT-64 SKOT]], the [[Engineering:BMP-1|BMP-1]], some command vehicles, mortar carriers and some armoured engineering vehicles. The competitor for this contract were the [[Engineering:Mowag Piranha IV|Piranha IV]], the [[Engineering:Pandur II|Pandur 2]] (8×8) the [[Engineering:Patria AMV|Patria AMV]], the [[Engineering:KTO Ryś|KTO Ryś 8×8]] and the VBCI. 
: This [[Engineering:Patria AMV|Patria AMV]] won the competition, and has been manufactured in Poland under the name [[Engineering:KTO Rosomak|KTO Rosomak]].<ref>{{Cite web |title=Poland Orders Additional 200 Rosomak Armored Vehicles |url=https://www.defensemirror.com/news/11886/Poland_Orders_Additional_200_Rosomak_Armored_Vehicles |access-date=2023-10-01 |website=www.defensemirror.com}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web | url=https://yadda.icm.edu.pl/baztech/element/bwmeta1.element.baztech-article-BUJ7-0018-0032/c/httpwww_bg_utp_edu_plartjok12009jo20kones20200920no20120vol201620dziubak.pdf | title=Technical Evaluation of APC Chassis | website=yadda.icm.edu.pl }}</ref>
; {{flag|Spain}} 
: In 2015, a program to replace the VEC-M1, the [[Engineering:Pegaso BMR|BMR-M1]] and part of the M113 fleet was launched by the Spanish Army. The competitors were the [[Engineering:Boxer (armoured fighting vehicle)|Boxer]], the [[Engineering:Freccia IFV|Freccia]], the [[Engineering:Patria AMV|Patria AMV]], the [[Engineering:Mowag Piranha V|Piranha V]], the SEP and the VBCI.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Villarejo |first=Esteban |date=2015-08-22 |title=GD Favored To Win Spanish Armored Vehicle Contract |url=https://www.defensenews.com/land/2015/08/22/gd-favored-to-win-spanish-armored-vehicle-contract/ |access-date=2023-10-01 |website=Defense News |language=en}}</ref>
: In September 2015, the competition was won by [[Company:General Dynamics European Land Systems|GDELS]] with the [[Engineering:Mowag Piranha V|Piranha V]].<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://defence-blog.com/spain-selects-piranha-5-as-new-8x8-armoured-infantry-vehicle/|title=Spain selects Piranha 5 as new 8×8 armoured infantry vehicle}}</ref> In December 2019, the Spanish Government cancelled the program, and relaunched the competition.<ref>{{Cite web |last=admin |date=2019-12-29 |title=Spanish Government Cancels â'¬2.1 Billion Piranha 5 Contract |url=https://militaryleak.com/2019/12/29/spanish-government-cancels-e2-1-billion-piranha-5-contract/ |access-date=2023-10-01 |website=MilitaryLeak |language=en-US}}</ref> 
: In August 2020, the Piranha V of GDELS Santa Barbara Sistemas in collaboration with Indra Sistemas and Sapa Placencia won again the competition for a first batch of 348 vehicles for €1.74 billion.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Editorial |first=Defense Brief |date=2020-08-25 |title=Spain hands out $2.06 billion contract for Dragon VCR 8x8 vehicles |url=https://defbrief.com/2020/08/25/spain-hands-out-2-06-billion-contract-for-dragon-vcr-8x8-vehicles/ |access-date=2023-10-01 |website=Defense Brief |language=en-US}}</ref> It is known as the ''Dragon VCR''.
; {{flag|United Arab Emirates}} (400)
: In 2017, the UAE military ordered 400 [[Engineering:Otokar Arma|Otokar Rabdan 8×8]].<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://defence-blog.com/uae-confirms-order-rabdan-new-8x8-armoured-vehicles-with-russian-produced-combat-turret/|title=UAE confirms order Rabdan new 8×8 armoured vehicles with Russian-produced combat turret}}</ref> It was selected over the [[Engineering:Boxer (armoured fighting vehicle)|GTK Boxer]], the [[Engineering:Patria AMV|Patria AMV]], the [[Engineering:Mowag Piranha V|Piranha V]] and the VBCI in a competition initially intended for 700 vehicles.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2012-12-26 |title=Commande militaire de blindés par l'armée des Emirats Arabes Unis : Nexter Systems de nouveau dans la course |url=https://www.challenges.fr/entreprise/commande-militaire-de-blindes-par-l-armee-des-emirats-arabes-unis-nexter-systems-de-nouveau-dans-la-course_236342 |access-date=2024-06-26 |website=Challenges |language=fr}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=2012-05-15 |title=UAE: Patria, BTR, VBCI and tender for armored vehicles |url=https://www.tacticalreport.com/daily/6693-uae-patria-btr-vbci-and-tender-for-armored-vehicles |access-date=2024-06-26 |website=Tactical Report |language=en}}</ref>
; {{flag|United Kingdom}} (623)
: The UK initially participated in the development of the GTK Boxer with Germany and the Netherlands. The collaboration started in 1999. In 2003, the UK decided to leave the development of that vehicle.<ref>[https://publications.parliament.uk/pa/cm200203/cmhansrd/vo030717/wmstext/30717m05.htm#30717m05.html_spmin5 Written Answers for 17 July 2003] House of Commons Hansard  - URL accessed on 2 May 2006</ref> In 2004, the FRES programme was launched. In June 2007, 3 vehicles were pre-selected for the FRES UV programme, the [[Engineering:Boxer (armoured fighting vehicle)|GTK Boxer]], the [[Engineering:Mowag Piranha V|Piranha V]] and the VBCI.<ref>{{Cite web |date=8 June 2007 |title=Drayson: New vehicles will have "vital part to play in the Army of the future" |url=http://www.mod.uk/DefenceInternet/DefenceNews/EquipmentAndLogistics/DraysonNewVehiclesWillHavevitalPartToPlayInTheArmyOfTheFuture.htm |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070711050356/http://www.mod.uk/DefenceInternet/DefenceNews/EquipmentAndLogistics/DraysonNewVehiclesWillHavevitalPartToPlayInTheArmyOfTheFuture.htm |archive-date=11 July 2007 |website=mod.uk}}</ref> The Piranha V was selected as preferred bidder in November 2007 and announced in May 2008.<ref name="mod.uk">{{Cite web|url=http://www.mod.uk/DefenceInternet/DefenceNews/EquipmentAndLogistics/DraysonNewVehiclesWillHavevitalPartToPlayInTheArmyOfTheFuture.htm|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070711050356/http://www.mod.uk/DefenceInternet/DefenceNews/EquipmentAndLogistics/DraysonNewVehiclesWillHavevitalPartToPlayInTheArmyOfTheFuture.htm|url-status=dead |title=Ministry of Defence &#124; Defence News &#124; Drayson: New vehicles will have "vital part to play in the Army of the future"|archive-date=11 July 2007}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=8 May 2008 |title=Design selected for future armoured vehicle for British Army (FRES) |url=http://www.mod.uk/DefenceInternet/DefenceNews/EquipmentAndLogistics/DesignSelectedForFutureArmouredVehicleForBritishArmyfres.htm |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080512164814/http://www.mod.uk/DefenceInternet/DefenceNews/EquipmentAndLogistics/DesignSelectedForFutureArmouredVehicleForBritishArmyfres.htm |archive-date=12 May 2008 |website=mod.uk}}</ref> It was not followed by orders due to budget crunch, and as of December 2008, the absence of contract meant that the Piranha V was not the preferred bidder anymore.<ref>{{cite web |title=House of Commons Hansard Ministerial Statements for 11 Dec 2008 (pt 0001) |url=https://publications.parliament.uk/pa/cm200809/cmhansrd/cm081211/wmstext/81211m0001.htm |access-date=4 August 2016 |work=parliament.uk}}</ref>
: In 2014, a new programme, the FUV ''(Future Utility Programme)'' was launched, and the VBCI was considered again and tested by the UK. But the evaluation did not lead to the selection of the vehicle. 
: In 2018, the UK rejoined the Boxer programme through the MIV programme ''(Mechanised Infantry Vehicle)''.<ref>{{cite press release |author=Ministry of Defence and Guto Bebb |url=https://www.gov.uk/government/news/british-army-re-joins-boxer-programme |title=British Army re-joins Boxer programme in step towards new armoured vehicles |publisher=UK Government |date=31 March 2018 |access-date=1 April 2018}}</ref>

=== Evaluation only ===

; {{AUS}}
: The VBCI participated to the project ''LAND 400 Phase 2'' for the production of the successor of the [[Engineering:ASLAV|ASLAV]] named "CRV". In July 2016, the Boxer and the Patria AMV-35 were pre-selected for a final competition. Among the other competitors were the [[Engineering:LAV 6|LAV 6.0]] and the Sentinel II (based on the [[Engineering:Terrex ICV|Terrex 2]]).<ref>{{Cite web |last=Eshel |first=Tamir |date=2016-07-28 |title=Australia Shortlists Boxer, AMV-35 for Future Combat Recce Vehicle - Defense Update |url=https://defense-update.com/20160728_land400-2.html |access-date=2024-07-03 |language=en-US}}</ref>
; {{flag|Canada}}
: 108 CCV + 30 in option ''(Close Combat Vehicle)'' offered by Nexter in association with Bombardier and [[Company:Raytheon|Raytheon]], but the programme was cancelled in 2013.<ref>{{Cite web | url=http://theatrum-belli.org/canada-larmee-annule-lachat-de-vehicules-blindes-evalue-a-2-milliards-de-dollar-nexter-etait-en-competition/ | title=Canada : L’armée annule l’achat de véhicules blindés, évalué à 2 milliards de dollar. Nexter était en compétition | language=fr | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160221230627/http://www.theatrum-belli.com/canada-larmee-annule-lachat-de-vehicules-blindes-evalue-a-2-milliards-de-dollar-nexter-etait-en-competition/ | archive-date=2016-02-21 | trans-title=Canada: Army cancels $2 billion purchase of armored vehicles. Nexter was in competition}}</ref>
; {{flag|Lebanon}}
: 68 were considered by Lebanon with financial support from Saudi Arabia as of 2014, but the VBCI was not shortlisted.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2014-06-18 |title=Blindés : Nexter recalé au Liban |url=https://www.lesechos.fr/2014/06/blindes-nexter-recale-au-liban-305048 |access-date=2024-06-26 |website=Les Echos |language=fr}}</ref>

==See also==

===Comparable vehicles===
{{Div col|colwidth=18em}}
* {{lwc|KTO Rosomak}}
* {{lwc|BTR-4}}
* {{lwc|Boxer (armoured fighting vehicle)}}
* {{lwc|CM-32 armoured vehicle}}
* {{lwc|Eitan AFV}}
* {{lwc|FNSS Pars}}
* {{lwc|Freccia IFV}}
* {{lwc|Iveco SuperAV}}
* {{lwc|K808 White Tiger}}
* {{lwc|LAV 6}}
* {{lwc|Mowag Piranha III}}
* {{lwc|Mowag Piranha IV}}
* {{lwc|Mowag Piranha V}}
* {{lwc|Otokar Arma}}
* {{lwc|Pandur II}}
* {{lwc|Patria AMV}}
* {{lwc|Stryker}}
* {{lwc|TATA Kestrel}}
* {{lwc|Terrex ICV}}
* {{lwc|VPK-7829 Bumerang}}
{{Div col end}}

== References ==
{{Reflist}}

== External links ==
* [http://www.janes.com/defence/land_forces/news/idr/idr050908_1_n.shtml Janes]
* {{in lang|fr}} [http://www.nexter-group.fr/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=36&Itemid=49 Nexter]
* [https://web.archive.org/web/20060111062139/http://www.defense-update.com/products/v/vbci.htm VBCI Program Update]

{{knds}}
{{ModernFrenchAFVs}}
{{Modern IFV and APC}}
{{French Army Vehicle}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:Vehicule Blinde De Combat D'infanterie}}
[[Category:Eight-wheeled vehicles]]
[[Category:Amphibious infantry fighting vehicles]]

{{Sourceattribution|VBCI}}