The VBCI (Véhicule Blindé de Combat d'Infanterie) Infantry Fighting Vehicle (IFV) had a unit cost of €3.49 million in Fiscal Year 2012 (FY2012).
Understanding the VBCI's Cost
The VBCI is a formidable wheeled armoured vehicle used by the French Army, primarily designed for infantry combat. Its cost varies depending on the specific variant and the fiscal year of procurement.
The breakdown of unit costs, as reported for FY2012, is as follows:
| Variant | Unit Cost (FY2012) |
|---|---|
| VCI (Infantry Combat Vehicle) | €3.49 million |
| VPC (Command Post Vehicle) | €2.74 million |
The VCI variant is the primary infantry fighting vehicle, equipped to transport troops and provide fire support, making its cost higher due to its advanced combat systems and larger capacity compared to the VPC, which serves as a command post.
Production and Manufacturer
The VBCI was manufactured by a joint venture between GIAT Industries (now Nexter Systems) and Renault Trucks Defense. Production spanned from 2008 to 2018, with a total of 630 units built. Of these, 510 were the VCI infantry combat variant, and 120 were the VPC command post variant. This production volume reflects its significance in modern armoured vehicle fleets.
Factors influencing the VBCI's cost include:
- Advanced Weapon Systems: Integration of high-caliber cannons and other weaponry.
- Robust Armor Protection: Designed to withstand various threats, including small arms fire, artillery fragments, and mine blasts.
- Sophisticated Electronics: Command, control, communications, computers, intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (C4ISR) systems.
- Mobility: High-performance engine and 8x8 wheel drive for diverse terrain.
The VBCI's cost is typical for modern, highly capable armoured fighting vehicles, reflecting the significant investment in research, development, and manufacturing of such complex military hardware.
