Following an acquisition of LMV armored vehicles from Iveco in Italy, Russia is set to add another foreign supplier of armored vehicles. Russian ‘Center for the Analysis of the World Arms Trade’ is reporting today that Russia is in talks with French military manufacturer Panhard on the purchase of 500 VBL light armored vehicles for $260 million. The vehicles are to equip Russian Federal Security Service’s border guards units.
over 2300 of Panhard's Véhicule Blindé Léger (VBL) are operational with 16 countries, the largest operators are the French and Greek Armies (shown in the photo above). If Russia completes this plan, the Russian border guards will be the second largest operator of this vehicle. Photo: Panhard.The light armored VBL shown here is equipped with the Wasp remotely operated weapon stations and counter-IED jammers, (antennae in the front) to protect vehicle operating in high threat environment. Photo: Panhard
Barrett Firearms Manufacturing has been selected as the winner of the U.S. Army's xTech Soldier Lethality competition, securing a contract to develop an advanced 30mm precision grenade rifle system. The new system features programmable...
European defense manufacturers are accelerating domestic production capabilities of Armored Fighting Vehicles (AFV) amid ongoing regional security tensions. Patria and General Dynamics European Land Systems initiated 42 ASCOD Infantry Fighting Vehicle (IFV) assembly in...
Israel has crossed a historic threshold by becoming the first nation to successfully deploy laser weapons in actual combat. During the Swords of Iron War, Israeli forces used Rafael's high-energy laser systems to intercept enemy threats, marking the transition from experimental technology to operational directed energy warfare.
Defense startup Tiberius Aerospace has unveiled Sceptre, a ramjet-powered 155mm artillery munition designed to achieve ranges up to 150 kilometers with sub-5-meter accuracy.
As the U.S. Army scales back its armored vehicle programs, European nations are accelerating major modernization efforts, acquiring thousands of new armored fighting vehicles across multiple platforms. This article examines key programs in Greece, Romania, and the Netherlands, highlighting recent, local industrial involvement, competing international bids, and the broader implications of diverging transatlantic defense priorities.
