Qatar is considering purchasing 120 VBCI armored vehicles from KNDS France to enhance its military capabilities. This potential order, reported by La Tribune on April 24, 2024, is part of Qatar’s plan to modernize its armored vehicle fleet, which may include dividing the order into three lots to equip six battalions. Beyond the VBCI from KNDS France, Doha might also procure armored vehicles from German company Rheinmetall and Turkish company BMC.
The potential acquisition follows initial discussions that began in 2017 when Paris and Doha signed a letter of intent to purchase 490 VBCI 2s, with an estimated budget of between €1.5 billion and €2 billion. However, negotiations were halted in 2019 due to tensions between the two countries, and Qatar had been exploring other options, including the German Boxer armored vehicle.
Recently, Franco-Qatari relations have improved, thanks in particular to France’s involvement in securing the 2022 Football World Cup in Qatar, which has put the VBCI back into consideration for Doha. According to LaTribune.fr, an order for 120 VBCIs to equip two of Qatar’s six mechanized infantry battalions could be imminent. The other four battalions would be equipped with German and Turkish armored vehicles, in particular the Boxer 8×8 from ARTEC GmbH and a VCI from the Turkish company BMC, which is partly owned by Qatar. In addition to supplying armored vehicles, KNDS-NEXTER is committed to providing Qatar with a degree of strategic autonomy through skills transfers.
The VBCI Mk II, enhanced with the T40 turret and Akeron MP anti-tank missile system, represents a significant advancement in armored vehicle technology. The VBCI Mk II, a product of Nexter’s collaboration with the Qatar Armed Forces, is equipped with a 40mm cased-telescoped ammunition (CTA) gun and the Akeron MP missile system, capable of penetrating 140mm of armor from 1,500 meters away. This integration offers a versatile defense against various threats, significantly enhancing firepower, precision, and operational flexibility on the battlefield. The T40 turret is noted for its adaptability and can be fitted with various weapons, providing the crew with advanced targeting systems for high precision strikes and superior situational awareness, while the Akeron MP missile excels in anti-armor capabilities and can engage targets effectively from multiple platforms.