French defense contractor Arquus has announced plans to deliver 50 Bastion armored vehicles to Ukraine, as part of a broader contract involving a total of 61 units. This delivery aims to enhance battlefield mobility and improve the survivability of Ukrainian troops amid ongoing conflict.
This new fleet follows the earlier provision of 11 Bastion vehicles specifically configured for troop transport, which are currently operational in Kyiv. Additionally, Ukraine has received VAB armored vehicles from the French military’s surplus stock.
The confirmation of this latest batch of deliveries comes from a report by the John Cockerill Group, which includes Arquus as a key member. However, details regarding the cost and the specific timelines for delivery have not been released.
The Bastion vehicle is a versatile 4×4 armored personnel carrier designed to accommodate a crew of two plus eight troops. Its modular platform allows for adaptation to various roles, such as troop transport, command and control operations, medical evacuation, and reconnaissance missions. Built on a robust VLRA chassis, the Bastion can operate effectively across diverse terrains.
Protection features of the Bastion adhere to STANAG 4569 standards, providing resistance against ballistic threats and mine blasts. The vehicle has a gross weight of 12.5 tons, facilitating transport via military aircraft like the C-130 Hercules.
Performance-wise, the Bastion boasts a top speed of 110 kilometers per hour (68 miles per hour) and a maximum operational range of 1,000 kilometers (621 miles). For defense, it can be equipped with either 7.62mm or 12.7mm machine guns, which may be mounted on a ring or operated from a remote weapon station.
This latest purchase underscores Ukraine’s ongoing efforts to bolster its military capabilities amid heightened tensions and conflict in the region.
