French transporters for Ukraine? Training in Poland

The information about the start of another training cycle for Ukrainians appeared on the French Ministry of Defence website in a summary of operational activities for the period of March 12–19. The report states that in Poland, French soldiers continue their training mission in support of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, and that during the week the information was published, training in urban combat and close-quarters battle techniques had concluded.

France supports Ukraine in many ways

At the same time, a new course dedicated to the maintenance of VAB armored personnel carriers began. The userFrench Aid to Europe, who specialises in topics related to the French Armed Forces and Paris’s donations to Ukraine, noted on platform X that this information likely indicates an imminent donation of additional VABs to Ukraine. For some time now, the details of these deliveries—both in terms of quantity and timing—have been kept secret.

France has so far supplied Ukraine with more than 400 VAB armored personnel carriers, which have become one of the main vehicles of this type in the Ukrainian army. The French Army is currently replacing them with two new vehicle types: the VBMR Griffon and the VBMR-L Serval. It is worth noting that at least several dozen (if not more) VABs have been transferred to Lebanon over the past three years, with the most recent delivery taking place on March 31.

The VAB 4x4 is a French wheeled armored personnel carrier developed by GIAT Industries and produced by Renault Trucks Defence (now Arquus) since the late 1970s. The vehicle is powered by a Renault MIDS diesel engine rated at 220/255 hp (depending on the version), allowing a maximum speed of 110 km/h, with an empty/combat weight of 9,300/13,600 kg. Direct access to the engine and gearbox enables up to 90% of maintenance tasks to be performed without removing components or other systems integrated into the vehicle. The crew consists of two people, and the troop compartment can carry up to 10 soldiers.

The VAB 4x4 is armed with either a 12.7 mm M2 heavy machine gun or a 7.62 mm AA-52 general-purpose machine gun mounted on a pintle or in a remotely operated weapon station. However, like the 6x6 variant, it can also be equipped with autocannons (e.g., 20 mm) or anti-tank guided missile launchers. The base armor provides protection against artillery and mortar shell fragments as well as 7.62 mm ammunition. The vehicle can also be fitted with additional composite armor. Currently, VAB-family vehicles are in service with the armed forces of countries including France, Ukraine, Morocco, the United Arab Emirates, Cyprus, Italy, and Lebanon.