Arquus is proud to announce new contract with Barzan Holdings, strengthening our industrial collaboration. Today at Eurosatory, Arquus welcomes Barzan Holdings on its booth to sign a contract for the modernisation of 54 VABs realised in Qatar
Local modernization programme for Qatar Armed Forces' VAB fleet
The Qatar Armed Forces initially acquired VAB Mk1 vehicles in 1982, which have been supported by Arquus since then. In 2018, QAF decided to extend the life of these vehicles and signed a modernisation contract with Arquus. This vast programme includes not only the modernisation and modification of the vehicles but also their repair and the training of both industrial and military personnel in France and Qatar.
The first VABs is being modernised in France, while a production line is being established at a military base in Qatar. To date, 126 vehicles have been successfully modernised.
2023: a key year for the cooperation with Barzan
Arquus is honnored be the first French defence company to localise the production of military vehicles in Qatar, a significant achievement that is a source of pride for both Arquus and the Qatari armed forces.
In July 2023, the French Minister of the Armed Forces, Sébastien Lecornu, visited the VAB assembly line in Qatar highlighting the potential for local production of armoured vehicles.
In the same year, a contract with Barzan Holdings was fulfilled. This contract included the training of 25 Qatari cadets in the maintenance of modernised VABs over a six-month period in France.
This training programme successfully culminated in the graduation of future maintenance officers, demonstrating Arquus' commitment to skill development and knowledge sharing.