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French Army VHM All-Terrain Amphibious Tracked Vehicle an Essential Asset for High-Altitude Operations at SITM.
The VHM, of Swedish design and manufactured by Hägglunds, stands out for its articulated two-module architecture, providing exceptional maneuverability in complex terrains. The front module houses the driver's seat, control systems, and primary weaponry, while the rear module offers additional troop transport capacity and cargo space. This articulation allows the vehicle to easily navigate steep inclines, deep snow, and rocky surfaces, making it particularly suitable for high-altitude operations. It is designed to operate in mountainous terrains and extreme environments such as arctic conditions and marshy areas, like those encountered in French Guiana. Its high ground clearance and flexible track system enhance traction and stability on unstable surfaces.
The VHM is a crucial asset for mountain troops, providing exceptional mobility in steep and rugged landscapes while offering essential protection for deployed personnel. (Picture source: Army Recognition)
The VHM is protected by level 2 armor, which ensures resistance against small arms fire and fragmentation, providing critical protection to troops in hostile areas. Additionally, its reinforced undercarriage offers substantial defense against mines and improvised explosive devices (IEDs). Its integrated anti-IED jamming system further enhances security by disrupting potential remote-controlled explosive threats, increasing survivability in modern asymmetric warfare environments.
The vehicle is equipped with a 12.7 mm machine gun mounted on a manually operated or remote-controlled turret, allowing for precision targeting while maintaining crew protection. Additionally, a GALIX grenade launcher provides active defense by deploying smoke screens and countermeasures against enemy threats. The modular design of the VHM allows for multiple configurations to adapt to diverse operational requirements. Among these, a logistics variant is available, equipped with a rear platform for transporting supplies and equipment, while a command post version incorporates advanced communication and coordination systems to facilitate battlefield command and control.
The 13th Alpine Chasseur Battalion (13e BCA), a key unit in mountain warfare, is part of the 27th Mountain Infantry Brigade. This specialized battalion is trained for high-altitude combat, excelling in reconnaissance, rapid deployment, and sustained operations in extreme weather conditions. The 13e BCA utilizes a range of modern equipment, including Griffon armored vehicles, all-terrain quads, snowmobiles, and paragliders, ensuring operational mobility across varying terrains. The battalion has been actively involved in multiple overseas missions, including Operation Barkhane in Mali, demonstrating its ability to engage in both conventional and asymmetric warfare scenarios. Additionally, the unit frequently trains in extreme conditions, preparing for rapid intervention in complex and hostile environments.
The VHM is a crucial asset for mountain troops, providing exceptional mobility in steep and rugged landscapes while offering essential protection for deployed personnel. It can transport up to eight soldiers in its rear module, ensuring efficient troop deployment in high-altitude operations. Its capability to traverse water obstacles up to 1.5 meters deep, maintain a maximum speed of 65 km/h on roads and 30 km/h off-road, and sustain an operational range of 250 to 300 km makes it a resilient and dependable platform for diverse combat environments. The vehicle's low ground pressure and articulated movement system allow it to function efficiently in deep snow and ice-covered terrains, enhancing its adaptability for operations in Arctic and mountainous regions. It remains a valuable asset for modern high-altitude conflicts, particularly in strategically significant areas such as Eastern Europe, where harsh winters and rugged landscapes impose unique operational challenges.
The VHM's presence within the 13e BCA highlights the adaptability and continuous modernization of French alpine units. Its integration into high-mobility warfare doctrine strengthens the overall capability of mountain troops, ensuring they remain effective in demanding operational environments. This vehicle plays a pivotal role in France's military strategy for high-altitude and extreme weather deployments, maintaining its relevance for current and future engagements across diverse battlefields.