A long-running partnership centered on the VBL
Many may know Arquus better under its former names, Renault Trucks Defense, ACMAT and Panhard, although the company has now been present under its new identity for five years and Arquus has been present on the two last DEFEA exhibitions. The partnership between Arquus and the Hellenic Army started in 1997 with the delivery of a first batch of 13 Panhard VBL light armored reconnaissance vehicles.
The VBL has immediately been appreciated for its versatility, mobility and adaptability, which makes it a vehicle of choice for reconnaissance, communications, mobile command post, anti-tank and general-purpose transport missions.Throughout the years, the total number of vehicles delivered have reached 240, making it one of the largest VBL fleets in service in the world. The VBLs have since been serving in foreign deployments, sometimes even shoulder to shoulder with their French cousins.
Hellenic Army & French Army VBLs in Afghanistan
Since the delivery of the first VBLs to Greece, Arquus is proud to have always been at the side of the Hellenic Army, creating together solutions for training, spares procurement and fleet management. As part of this commitment, Arquus has carried out numerous technology transfers to give the Hellenic Army operational autonomy for the maintenance of VBLs up to level 5.
The VBL Ultima, a must-have standard for a proven vehicle
As part of the same long-term commitment, Arquus has recently delivered two VBL Ultima to the Hellenic Army, one of which is on display on Arquus’ stand at DEFEA 2023, a vibrant testimony to a quality relationship.
The VBL Ultima is a new standard for the VBL, aimed at further enhancing the capabilities of the vehicle, developed for the French Army and currently being implemented by Arquus in their plant in Saint-Nazaire. A production line has specifically been set to ensure the success of this much expected program for a very demanding client.
VBL Arquus
Under this new standard, the original 95-horsepower diesel engine is being replaced by a new 130-horsepower diesel engine, as well as a new gearbox, allowing a speed greater than the 95 km/h of the original standard, as well as improved acceleration.
The upgraded VBLs also feature a new Brake Assist System and improved front and rear suspension systems to accommodate increased payload and to improve vehicle handling. Finally, the new standard accommodates air conditioning to improve comfort during operations.
The VBL Ultima has received very good reviews from Hellenic Army personnel, who have appreciated the increase in mobility, safety, reliability, and comfort, while also granting the vehicle new decades of operational life.
A complete package built on trust
Arquus is looking forward to building on their long-running cooperation with the Hellenic Army and to offering the Ultima upgrade package to the whole fleet of the VBLs currently in service.
The upgrade of the VBL Ultima requires many workhours, being a comprehensive package of repair and overhaul, thus comprising in-depth diagnosis of the current vehicles and integration of new systems.
VBL Ultima Saint-Nazaire production
The modernization of the Greek VBLs could take place in Greece at the Army depots or at the facility of a Greek industrial partner with the support of Arquus, to benefit from local know-how and work capacities, as close as possible to the Army bases.The Army personnel who would take part in the upgrade program would also receive the best training to become maintenance experts for the whole life cycle of the VBL Ultima fleet.
This upgrade would not cover the Marine units, which would need to keep their amphibious capability. However, several other units could benefit from the increase in performance offered by the Ultima version.
VBL Ultima Saint-Nazaire
The VBL has recently attracted renewed attention from different countries looking for a new, light, stealthy reconnaissance, and combat vehicle. To address these needs, Arquus has recently unveiled the VBL MK3, a new version of the VBL combining the upgrades of the VBL Ultima and other sensible integrations such a new dashboard and central tire inflation systems. Such developments underline the relevance of the VBL concept in an age where mobility, stealth, and systems integration matter as much as protection on the battlefield.
Step-by-step partnerships to equip the Hellenic Army
As part of the general effort to increase the Hellenic Army’s capabilities, Arquus also offers its VLRA tactical truck. A sturdy, easy-to-maintain, combat proven 4x4 vehicle, the VLRA is a versatile, multi-purpose vehicle designed for the transport of troops, cargo and systems in the most demanding environments, including mountainous zones and deserts
VLRA Arquus
This new-generation chassis offers high off-road payload capacity and low-cost maintenance thanks to its motorization and transmission without electronics.
Built for simplicity, the VLRA is easy to maintain and repair. It can thus operate autonomously without requiring support units, long training or heavy maintenance equipment. This concept has convinced several armies around the world, as well as some European Special Forces.
VLRA during 'Eurosatory 2022
The VLRA’s proven chassis has also been used for Arquus’ bestseller Bastion, a reference in the African markets. In total, more than 1,000 VLRA chassis have been produced, which simplifies the access to spares and creates commonalities.
The VLRA was presented in 2021 at DEFEA and received a very positive welcome for its natural qualities and modularity. If selected by the Hellenic Army, it could very well also be produced in Greece at an industrial partner’s facility, with the support of the Arquus teams.