Is Qatar Set to Acquire VBCI IFVs from KNDS France?.

Qatar is considering purchasing 120 VBCI armored vehicles from KNDS France to enhance its military capabilities. This potential order, reported by La Tribune on April 24, 2024, is part of Qatar's plan to modernize its armored vehicle fleet, which may include dividing the order into three lots to equip six battalions. Beyond the VBCI from KNDS France, Doha might also procure armored vehicles from German company Rheinmetall and Turkish company BMC.
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Nexter KNDS presents its new VBCI Mk II at DIMDEX 2024, a naval defense exhibition in Doha, Qatar (Picture source: Army Recognition)

The potential acquisition follows initial discussions that began in 2017 when Paris and Doha signed a letter of intent to purchase 490 VBCI 2s, with an estimated budget of between €1.5 billion and €2 billion. However, negotiations were halted in 2019 due to tensions between the two countries, and Qatar had been exploring other options, including the German Boxer armored vehicle.

Recently, Franco-Qatari relations have improved, thanks in particular to France's involvement in securing the 2022 Football World Cup in Qatar, which has put the VBCI back into consideration for Doha. According to LaTribune.fr, an order for 120 VBCIs to equip two of Qatar's six mechanized infantry battalions could be imminent. The other four battalions would be equipped with German and Turkish armored vehicles, in particular the Boxer 8x8 from ARTEC GmbH and a VCI from the Turkish company BMC, which is partly owned by Qatar. In addition to supplying armored vehicles, KNDS-NEXTER is committed to providing Qatar with a degree of strategic autonomy through skills transfers.

The VBCI Mk II, enhanced with the T40 turret and Akeron MP anti-tank missile system, represents a significant advancement in armored vehicle technology. The VBCI Mk II, a product of Nexter's collaboration with the Qatar Armed Forces, is equipped with a 40mm cased-telescoped ammunition (CTA) gun and the Akeron MP missile system, capable of penetrating 140mm of armor from 1,500 meters away. This integration offers a versatile defense against various threats, significantly enhancing firepower, precision, and operational flexibility on the battlefield. The T40 turret is noted for its adaptability and can be fitted with various weapons, providing the crew with advanced targeting systems for high precision strikes and superior situational awareness, while the Akeron MP missile excels in anti-armor capabilities and can engage targets effectively from multiple platforms.

The Boxer 8x8  is a multi-role armored vehicle designed and manufactured by ARTEC GmbH, a joint venture between German firms Krauss-Maffei Wegmann and Rheinmetall, along with Rheinmetall Netherlands. Known for its modular design, the Boxer can be configured for various roles, including ambulance, command vehicle, and logistics carrier. It features a high level of mobility in both urban and rough terrain scenarios. The vehicle is protected against ballistic threats, mine explosions, and IEDs, making it highly suitable for modern military operations where flexibility and crew protection are paramount.

The Turkish company BMC produces the VCI armored vehicle, which is partially owned by Qatar. The VCI is designed primarily for infantry support and transportation, equipped with advanced armor protection and firepower to support combined arms operations. It features an all-wheel drive for enhanced mobility across diverse terrains and is typically armed with a machine gun and a grenade launcher. The VCI's design focuses on balancing firepower, protection, and mobility to operate effectively in various combat scenarios, supporting infantry with effective fire cover and rapid deployment capabilities.

The VBCI model proposed by KNDS France would be an upgraded version, designated VBCI 2, with a redesigned chassis, a 600hp Volvo D13 engine, advanced electronics, and a new T40 turret armed with a Franco-British CT40 cannon. This model is also equipped to offer improved protection against mines and improvised explosive devices (IEDs), essential for operations in difficult terrain or urban environments.

Although the VBCI has proved its effectiveness in combat, particularly in asymmetric environments such as Mali, it has not yet met with international success, being used mainly by the French Army. However, negotiations are reportedly also underway between the Greek General Staff of the Armed Forces (EMGA) and KNDS-France. These discussions relate to a recent French proposal for the acquisition of VBCI Philoctetes wheeled vehicles, designed to meet the operational requirements of the Greek Army. If these two sales materialize, they could mark the start of a new era for KNDS France in the international armored vehicle market.

Defense News April 2024