On October 1, 2024, the Greek Ministry of National Defense announced that representatives from KNDS France, formerly Nexter Systems, presented armored combat vehicle (ACV) options to the Hellenic Army General Staff (GES) on September 25, 2024. The presentation included discussions on both new and used vehicles, with particular attention to the Philoctetes model, also known as the VBCI II.
Although the Ministry did not specify which models were discussed, KNDS France has been promoting the Philoctetes to the Greek Army for some time. Reports from Defence Review.gr suggest that the company reiterated its March 2024 proposal for the delivery of 200 VBCI-2 units, equipped with the T40 turret featuring a 40mm CTA cannon and Akeron MP anti-tank missiles.
The proposal also includes 50 VBCI-2 vehicles in support configurations such as medical, artillery observation, and command roles, along with 120 second-hand VBCIs from the French Army for rapid deployment. The offer involves the participation of Greek industry in production and maintenance, with 200 new vehicles, 50 specialized support variants, and 120 second-hand units being considered.
The Philoctetes represents an upgraded version of the VBCI currently used by the French Army, which has acquired 630 units, including 510 infantry fighting vehicles and 120 command variants. The VBCI-VCI version carries a crew of two and nine soldiers, armed with a 25mm cannon and 7.62mm machine gun. The VBCI-VPC command version has a two-person crew, accommodates seven soldiers, and is equipped with a 12.7mm machine gun.