The localisation plan that is a key element of KNDS company Nexter’s VBCI 8×8 proposal to the Qatar Armed Forces will ensure the country’s sovereign operational capability and generate future business opportunities, says Damien Bury, regional director Middle East for KNDS France.
“We are proposing the localisation of the VBCI final assembly, a maintenance repair and overhaul (MRO) facility for the VBCI local support, and a large range of localised ammunition production. This will help Qatar’s sovereignty and also generate a direct benefit in terms of employment and the development of in-country human skills that will ensure the operational effectiveness of the VBCI fleet over its operational life.”
KNDS France is a long-term partner of the Qatar Armed Forces, said Bury. “QELF are equipped since decades with AMX 30 and AMX 10 P. The company is actively developing and strengthening its partnership with the Qatar armed forces by proposing the VBCI to QELF.”
Discussions are ongoing with at least two European countries about the IFV variant of the VBCI MkII featuring the unmanned 40mm CTA turret, Bury added. The IFV version can carry a full combat squad. The chassis combines a STANAG level 4 modular protection (level 5 in option) and a very high tactical, operational and strategic mobility provided by the VBCI’s 8-wheel drive and self-steering rear axle, its 1000 km range, and its capacity to be air transported.
The company is now developing two types of remotely operated ammunition. “The conflict in Ukraine demonstrates the importance of main battle tanks and artillery on the battlefield,” said Bury. “France is supplying Ukraine with the Caesar howitzer, demonstrating its perfect adaptation to a high-intensity conflict. The relevance of this system is encouraging some countries to renew their artillery capacities. The Ukrainian conflict also demonstrates the strategic importance of drones: we are currently developing two types of remotely operated ammunition, and we will be able to present a first demonstrator in few weeks. On the other hand, being able to make counter-UAV is another lesson learned: the T40 turret we propose on the VBCI has a 60° elevation site of the cannon and can treat different target with the specific anti-aerial airburst ammunition, developed by Nexter.
Malaysian defense company, Deftech, displayed a range of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) intheir booth during the DSA 2022 expo. The…
Airbus has performed a first A380 flight powered by 100% Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF). Airbus’ A380 test aircraft MSN 1…
Cargojet has entered into a five-year strategic agreement with DHL, with a renewal option for an additional two years, to…
The Icelandic airline Eagle Air and the German aircraft manufacturer Deutsche Aircraft have announced a renewal of their support contract…
Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) has signed an Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with UPNM Malaysia for collaboration and training of faculty…
Meopta is displaying a wide range of military-grade optical gun sights, scopes, and night vision equipment at the Defense Services…
After signing a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Malaysia’s G7 Aerospace at DSA 2022 event on Monday (Mar. 28), Infoglobal…
Insight Atlantic, a Malaysian defense equipment supplier, is displaying a range of made-in Germany, Lowa tactical footwear in its booth…
PAL Aerospace and Thales have signed an agreement to jointly develop the next generation of mission system during the DSA…
Airod Techno Power (ATP) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Honeywell International to provide Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul (MRO)…
Advanced Defence Systems (ADS) has signed an MoU with Nexter on the third day of the DSA 2022 event, Wednesday…
In a public announcement released by the Malaysian Ministry of Defence (MINDEF) on Wednesday (Mar. 30), there have been 54…
Sikorsky and Boeing on Thursday announced six new members, including Magnaghi Aeronautica and Collins Aerospace, of Team DEFIANT. The suppliers…
MA Group will provide the fully integrated landing gear system for the DEFIANT X helicopter, consisting of the nose and…
After spending about US$7.4 million on the project, the Australian government has cancelled its Project Air 7003, a program that…
AerCap has signed lease agreements for ten new Airbus A320neo aircraft and two new Airbus A330neo aircraft with ITA Airways.…
A routine service test for an Emirates Airbus A380 aircraft on April 1 has ended with a surprising result. …
Malaysia-based DefTech and Iveco Defence Vehicles are joining hands to establish an authorised MRO centre for Iveco Defence Vehicles trucks…
General Atomics-Aeronautical Systems, Inc. (GA-ASI) has begun the first installation of factory upgrades to a Gray Eagle-Extended Range (GE-ER) Unmanned…
FL Technics has launched a dedicated business line for wheels and brakes maintenance and opened a specialized shop at the…
ScioTeq has launched RDU-4208 LAD, its new full redundant Large Area Display (LAD) that can be deployed in new cockpits…
Etihad Airways, on March 31st., 2022, unveiled its new Airbus A350-1000, registration A6-XWB, on a special inaugural commercial flight from…
RGA-Black Stone Airlines, a newcomer in the Indonesian aviation business, officially started its business in the country after having its…
SIA Engineering Company Limited (SIAEC) announced that it has signed a non-binding Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Impeccable Vintage Properties…
Honeywell has signed separate MOUs with Malaysian firms Airod Techno Power (ATP) and Galaxy Aerospace that will further strengthen the…
AirAsia has announced that it will resume international flights from India to Malaysia and Thailand. Flights are now available from…
Embraer and the Brazilian Army have inked a contract to develop and implement Phase Two of the Army's Strategic Program…
The Philippine Air Force (PAF) officially inducted two Turkish-made T129B ATAK attack helicopters and an Airbus Defense and Space C-295…
General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, Inc. (GA-ASI) has been selected to support the Japan Coast Guard's (JCG) RPAS Project. Operations will…
The Royal Thai Navy (RTN) S26T submarine acquisition project from China is at risk of cancellation due to Germany’s refusal…
Headquartered in Singapore with reporters spread across all major regions, GBP Aerospace & Defence is a leading media house that publishes three publications that serve the aerospace and defence sector - Asian Defence Technology, Asian Airlines & Aerospace and Daily News. Known industry-wide for quality journalism, GBP Aerospace & Defence is present at more international tradeshows and exhibitions than any other competing publication in the region.
For over three decades, our award-winning team of reporters has been producing top-notch content to help readers stay abreast of the latest developements in the field of commercial aviation, MRO, defence, and Space.
Copyright 2023. GBP. All Rights Reserved.
Home Defence & Security Space Commercial Aviation Maintence Repair & Overhaul Daily News Events About Us
2024 GBP all rights reserved.