French VBCIs Support Operations in Tagab Valley

Since July 20, 2010, the VBCI (Véhicule Blindé de Combat de l’Infanterie, or armored infantry combat vehicle) is regularly deployed on operational missions of the French Army’s TFLF contingent (La Fayette Brigade).

Operation "Promising Star," a brigade-level operation which took place from 27 September to 5 October, was an opportunity for the VBCI to operate in the southern Tagab valley. The vehicle’s performance confirmed its versatility and operational flexibility on terrain on which it has not previously operated.

"Here the terrain is really suitable, not too brittle, the tracks are not too narrow, and the VBCI is an ideal vehicle for these conditions" says Sgt. Major G., a VBCI section chief in Battle Group Bison. "The protection for the 10 infantrymen on board the vehicle is reinforced thanks to its armor, which is thicker than on most wheeled personnel carriers, and its anti-rocket cage, which is a real plus in this environment. With the VBCI, I can drop off my men very close to the assigned objective, without putting them, or their mission, at very high risk.”