French defense contractor Arquus has signed an agreement with Doha-based Barzan Holdings to upgrade the Qatar Armed Forces’ Véhicule de l’Avant Blindé (VAB) infantry fighting vehicles.

The VAB is an armored system developed specifically for the French military by Arquus’ parent company, Renault. It was inducted into service in the late 1970s and was introduced to Qatar in the early 1980s.

Under the contract, Arquus will cover modification and repairs for 54 Qatari VABs domestically and in France.

The firm will also deliver associated training for industrial and military personnel managing the upkeep and operation of the vehicles.

Arquus wrote in its announcement that the initial VABs under the project are now receiving modernization work in France.

Simultaneously, a production line is being constructed at a military installation in Qatar to support this effort.

Arquus has been the prime support provider for the Qatari Armed Forces’ VABs since their arrival in the military.

In 2018, the company accepted a contract to extend the fleet’s service life, and 126 VABs have received upgrades.

Barzan Holdings has served as Qatar’s local defense industry distributor throughout these initiatives.

The Véhicule de l’Avant Blindé

The VAB is a 6×6 wheeled system integrated with either Renault or Caterpillar engines and can be reconfigured into an 8×8 drive system.

Depending on user requirements, the vehicle can operate from 340 to 370 horsepower for a maximum speed of 110 kilometers (68 miles) per hour and an operational range of up to 1,200 kilometers (750 miles).

It can carry up to 10 personnel, including crew, and is transported via a C-130 Hercules military cargo plane.

The system has a gross maximum weight of 20,000 kilograms (20 tons) and is fitted with NATO-standard armor to secure safety against ballistics, mines, and artillery shells on the frontline.

Alongside Infantry combat applications, the VAB is offered in troop transport, mortar carrier, reconnaissance and fire support, command post, ambulance, and law enforcement variants.

Users can equip the VAB with a 12.7-millimeter self-defense turret, a 20 to 40-millimeter assault machine gun, and a 90-millimeter fire support weapon.