Kuwait orders VBL Mk2 from Panhard
Eurosatory, 16 June 2008
The Kuweiti Ministry of the Interior has just ordered 20 light armoured vehicles (VBL) Mk2 to equip its special forces. This is the first order of a programme to equip these units.
The Mk2 version of the VBL includes many improvements on previous models: the power of the vehicle has been greatly increased thanks to a Steyr engine of 125 hp, while its cross-country mobility has been improved by a ZF four-speed automatic gearbox and larger tyres. The central tyre inflation system also contributes to improving the mobility of the vehicle in soft ground, especially in sand. In addition, the VBL Mk2 retains its amphibious capability and is NRBC protected.
These VBL, which will be used for patrol and surveillance missions, will be equipped with hefty firepower thanks to a remotely-controlled turret capable of operating a 12.7mm machine gun. This weapon, useable in all conditions and especially at night, will reinforce the offensive capabilities of the VBL.
The first deliveries of the VBL Mk2 to the Kuweiti Ministry of the Interior will take place during the second quarter of 2009.
The Ministry of the Interior is the second Emirates customer to choose Panhard as the National Guard is already using the VBL. Panhard, which is an historic supplier of armoured vehicles to the Gulf States, has already delivered VBLs to the Sultanate of Oman, the United Arab Emirates and Qatar.
About Panhard General Defense:
Panhard, a 100% owned subsidiary of Auverland since the beginning of 2005, has designed and built armoured vehicles for almost a century. Panhard produces the light armoured vehicle (VBL), more than 2,000 of which have been built, 1,600 of them for the French Army. In 2007, Panhard achieved a turnover of 78 million euros and has an order book of over 280 million euros.
Communication/Marketing contact: Charles Maisonneuve
Tel : + 33 (0) 1 60 82 49 87 / +33 (0) 6 13 22 30 21
Email : charles.maisonneuve@panhard.fr
2 rue Panhard et Levassor – 91630 Marolles en Hurepoix – France
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