39 examples were given to Beirut: progressively withdrawn from French stocks, this all

The Minister of the Armed Forces, Catherine Vautrin, stated on BFMTV this Thursday that these vehicles must “help” Lebanon “regain its autonomy.”

39 vehicles were “donated” by France to Lebanon to “help establish this army” so that the country “regains its autonomy,” according to the Minister of the Armed Forces Catherine Vautrin. “We are supporting the Lebanese armed forces,” she stated on BFMTV on Thursday, April 9.

At the end of March, 39 armored vehicles were handed over by France to Lebanon.

“These armored vehicles provide the Lebanese armed forces with secure mobility to operate in dangerous areas, demonstrating France’s concrete and lasting support,” detailed the delegate minister, Alice Rufo, who was present in Beirut for the occasion.

“A training on the maintenance of armored personnel carriers (VAB) is being conducted for the benefit of the Lebanese forces, in addition to the delivery of armored vehicles. This cooperation aims to develop the technical skills of the partner and ultimately strengthen its operational mobility,” explained the ministry in late March. Lebanon already has vehicles of this nature. The UNIFIL, deployed in the south of the country, is also equipped with VAB.

The versatile vehicle

This vehicle, designed in the 1970s, is gradually being phased out of the French army in favor of the Griffon, manufactured by Thales. It is the most widely used transport vehicle in the Army. In 2021, the French army had approximately 2,500 in stock. The VAB has been deployed in recent years in Afghanistan, Iraq, and the Sahel.

Its various versions (4×4 or 6×6) demonstrate the range of missions it can perform. From evacuating the wounded to transporting troops, its hybrid role has earned it the nickname “mule” according to Arquus, one of its manufacturers. Another proof of its wide range of capabilities, most versions of the VAB have an amphibious version, allowing it to overcome aquatic obstacles.

The design of the vehicle’s floor is one of its strengths. Facing outwards, it helps to limit the impact of explosions on the crew. Its hull also protects its occupants from light weapon fire and shell fragments. Often equipped with a 12.7mm machine gun, the VAB can also be armed with a cannon.

In recent years, armored personnel carrier vehicles have also been delivered to Ukraine. Some of them were deployed in the Russian region of Kursk when Kiev carried out an offensive there in the summer of 2024.