What Is the VBCI Infantry Fighting Vehicle? Specs, Variants and France's 2027 Upgrade Plan

France’s draft 2027 budget proposes €260 million to launch the first phase of a midlife upgrade for the French Army’s VBCI 8×8 infantry fighting vehicle. Developed by the companies now known as KNDS France and Arquus, the VBCI entered service in 2008, and France received 520 infantry fighting vehicles and 110 command vehicles. The infantry variant carries a 25 mm M811 cannon in a one-person Dragar turret and transports a nine-soldier infantry group. The proposed renovation is a standalone program, with the number of vehicles to be upgraded and the detailed technical scope still to be defined.