French gunsmiths are ready to replace the Army standing on the arms of the family of armored car Panhard VBL. French defense company Arquus (бывшая Renault Truck Defense; It is a member of the group Volvo) first introduced the light armored vehicle Scarabee 4x4, He writes a blog bmpd. reported, that the first prototype has already begun testing.
Manufacturers do not disclose the characteristics of prospective armored vehicles. However, due to the release, represented the company at the Arquus held in Paris on the international arms exhibition Eurosatory 2018, became known, that armored vehicle equipped with a hybrid power plant with electric drive. It is also reported, The car can be equipped created Arquus promising easy remote controlled weapon station Hornet 30 with 30-mm automatic cannon.
The machine creates the second phase of the program SCORPIO, meant to replace the existing fleet of armored vehicles of the French Army. The acquisition of armored vehicles Scarabee French Defense Ministry plans not previously 2025 of the year, The manufacturers will promote the new product to export markets.
Recall, SCORPIO that as part of the program in May this year, company Nexter Systems officially introduced the first armored vehicle prototype EBRC Jaguar 6x6, Designed to replace the French army wheeled combat vehicles with cannon armament AMX-10RC and ERC-90S, and the remaining armed self-propelled anti-tank systems VCAC Mephisto (on the chassis of armored personnel carriers VAB)».
