VAB

Developed in response to a late-1960s requirement for a protected, amphibious, and NBC-capable transport vehicle, the VAB emerged as the victor following rigorous comparative testing against several competing prototypes. Officially ordered in 1970 and entering active service in 1979, the platform was conceived to move infantry across the battlefield while providing essential protection against small arms fire and shrapnel. Over the decades, it has evolved from its initial 4x4 and 6x6 configurations into a versatile family of vehicles, serving as the backbone of mechanized units for nearly half a century.

The VAB is characterized by its high-hardness steel hull, designed with a distinctive profile that originally granted it amphibious capabilities and natural resistance to explosive blasts. The internal layout features a forward driving cabin with armored glass and protective shutters, followed by an engine compartment and a spacious rear troop area with a flat floor. To maintain relevance on the modern battlefield, the platform has undergone extensive modernization, including the integration of automatic transmissions, remote-controlled weapon stations, and bolt-on ceramic armor. Specialized variants have been developed for diverse mission sets, ranging from anti-tank platforms equipped with guided missiles to electronic warfare, medical evacuation, and artillery observation units. While newer, "up-armored" versions have sacrificed their ability to navigate water, they offer significantly enhanced survivability against mines and improvised explosive devices through reinforced belly plating and shock-absorbing seating.

Since its introduction, the VAB has seen extensive combat across the globe, participating in major conflicts in Lebanon, the Persian Gulf, the Balkans, and across the Sahel during Operation Barkhane. It has earned a reputation for reliability and protection, particularly in Afghanistan, where its hull design proved effective at deflecting the pressure from roadside bombs. Beyond the French military, the vehicle is utilized by numerous international forces in the Middle East, Africa, and Southeast Asia. Most recently, it has played a critical role in the defense of Ukraine, where hundreds of units have been deployed by airborne and mechanized brigades in high-intensity operations. As it reaches the end of its frontline career in certain European forces, it is gradually being replaced by a new generation of multi-role armored vehicles designed for digitalized warfare.