An evaluation of the VBCI armored vehicle
included firing a CTA 40mm gun while on the move, according to Nexter. (Nexter)
By: Pierre Tra
PARIS — Nexter has completed an evaluation of mobility
and the firing of a 40mm CTA International gun on its VBCI armored vehicle in
Qatar, a major move in a potential sale of the vehicle, the French land systems
company said.
“Nexter Group announces the success of the new VBCI
evaluation campaign by Qatari forces,” the company said in a Dec. 19 statement.
“This is another important step towards signing the contract for the supply of
VBCI combat platforms in Qatar.”
The evaluation began early in December and ran to
mid-month. It included the VBCI firing its Nexter CTA 40mm gun on the move, a
Nexter spokeswoman said. A Nexter turret with a 40mm, cased, telescoped
armament is one of the options offered to Qatar.
“The evaluation went very well.” the spokeswoman said.
“We are confident.”
That test began a few days before Qatar signed a letter of intent with Nexter on
Dec. 7 for an order of 490 units.
Stéphane Mayer, chairman and CEO of Nexter, said he was
“proud of the confidence of the Qatari armed forces and committed, as well as
the entire group, to finalize the contract in the near future.”
“European industry is embracing Qatar,” said Robbin
Laird, an analyst with with consultancy ICSA in Washington and Paris.
The French government and industry have reached out to
Qatar at a time when there is a broad shift and tension in the region, he said.
Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates have cut ties with Qatar, while
France has “real interest in the UAE,” he added.
France operates an air base in the UAE and has long
offered the Rafale fighter jet to the Gulf state, which flies the Mirage
2000-9.
Britain sealed a deal with Qatar for the Eurofighter
Typhoon; France secured a sale of a further 12 Rafale jets to bring the total
order to 36; and Italy has sold warships.
Original post: defensenews.com
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