Group : Wheeled Armored Vehicles
Status : Cancelled
Also Known As : VAB Mk3
Origin : France
Contractors : Renault Trucks Defense*, Thales
Total Production : ?

The VAB Mark III, also known as VAB Mk3, is a 6x6 high mobility infantry fighting vehicle (IFV) designed to carry a crew of three-man and up to seven fully equipped infantrymen. This 20-ton vehicle provides NATO STANAG 4569 Level 4 armor protection and can be powered by either a 320-hp, 340-hp or 400-hp diesel engine. The TRT-25 remote weapon station with a 25mm cannon is intended to provide fire support during infantry combat operations. The Mk3 version has been developed in partnership between Renault Trucks Defense and Thales. Thales has supplied the expertise to make the Mk3 fully capable of Network Centric Warfare (NCW) operations in the digital battlefield. The seven-man infantry squad is connected through a wireless LAN up to ranges of 1,000 meters from the vehicle. Renault Trucks Defense unveiled the VAV Mk3 at the Eurosatory 2012 exhibition in Paris, France. The French Army could be the potential customer for this upgraded wheeled armored vehicle in the next decade.

Group : Wheeled Armored Vehicles
Status : Active
Also Known As : véhicule de l'avant blindé
Origin : France
Contractors : NEXTER*, Renault Trucks Defense
Initial Operational Capability (IOC) : 1980
Total Production : 5,000

GIAT Industries VAB (véhicule de l'avant blindé) is a family of armored vehicles designed to be employed on a wide range of missions. It features amphibious, NBC protected, wheeled, high mobility, air-transportable chassis available in either 4x4 or 6x6 configuration. It is powered by a 220/300-hp turbodiesel engine manufactured by Renault which allows top speed of 90+ kph. It carries 10/11 fully equipped troops along with a two-man crew. VAB can be equipped with guns/turrets of up to 25mm and missile systems.

Its lightweight armor provides full coverage protection against 7.62mm caliber ammunition and landmines. Fitted with add-on armor VAB can withstand ballistic impacts from 14.5mm ammunition. The 6x6 vehicle maximum weight equipped with add-on armor and maximum payload is 16 tons. VABs are specially well suited for peacekeeping operations due to its high mobility and flexibility. The French Army deployed the VAB during peacekeeping operations in the former Yugoslavia.

GIAT Industries is marketing the VAB in the roles of troops transport, infantry fighting vehicle fitted with 12.7mm or 25mm guns, command vehicle, anti-armor vehicle, 81mm mortar carrier, ambulance, recovery vehicle, NBC reconnaissance, equipment transport and security vehicle. More than 5,000 VABs have been produced so far. VAB was ordered by the French Army and 14 international customers.