Véhicule de l'Avant Blindé (VAB)

The VAB (Véhicule de l'Avant Blindé) is a French wheeled armored personnel carrier (APC) and support vehicle, designed by Renault Trucks Defense (now Arquus) and introduced into French service in 1979. Over 5,000 units have been produced, with more than 30 variants developed for different roles.

The VAB is available in both 4x4 and 6x6 configurations, though the French military primarily uses the 4x4 version. The vehicle is amphibious (in its original configuration), NBC-protected, and designed for rapid deployment and versatility in various combat and support roles.

The VAB is gradually being replaced by newer vehicles such as the VBMR Griffon and VBMR-L Serval, but remains in widespread use.

Some notable, but not all, variants of the French VAB:

Variant	Role/Function	Key Differences/Features	Base Version
VAB VTT	APC	Standard troop transport	Original VAB
VAB SAN	Ambulance	Medical interior, unarmed	VAB VTT
VAB ELI	Reconnaissance	Observation/comm. equipment	VAB VTT
VAB PC	Command Post	Command/comm. equipment	VAB VTT
VAB MILAN	ATGM Carrier	MILAN missiles, targeting system	VAB VTT
VAB HOT	ATGM Carrier	HOT missiles, different turret	VAB VTT
VAB Mortar	Mortar Carrier	81mm/120mm mortar, ammo storage	VAB VTT
VAB Génie	Engineer	Engineering tools/equipment	VAB VTT
VAB NBC	NBC Recon	NBC sensors/equipment	VAB VTT
VAB TOP	Upgraded APC	Remote weapon station	VAB Valorisé
VAB Valorisé	Modernized APC	Auto transmission, armor, electronics	VAB VTT
VAB Ultima	Heavily modernized	Enhanced armor, electronics, no amphib.	VAB Valorisé
VAB MkII/MkIII	Export/Modernized	Heavier, better protection, 6x6 only	New VAB chassis
VAB Mephisto	ATGM Platform	Retractable HOT missile launcher	VAB VTT
VAB Radar	Artillery Radar	Radar systems for artillery spotting	VAB VTT
VAB SIR	Digital C4ISR	Advanced battlefield management	VAB PC

More information:

• Wikipedia: Véhicule de l'Avant Blindé
• Army Recognition: VAB 4x4
• Weaponsystems.net: VAB VTT
• Tank-AFV.com: Renault VAB