Nexter offers VBCIs for vehicle program

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OTTAWA, Jan. 4 (UPI) -- Nexter Systems of Canada has entered two vehicles in Canada's contract competition for armored combat vehicles.

The first is the VBCI 25, an eight-wheel drive troop carrier, which is based on a vehicle Nexter has supplied France. The second is the VBCI 30.

"We believe we have an absolutely superb product to offer the Canadian army," said Patrick Lier, vice president of Sales and Business Development North America.

This is a state of the art military platform which provides substantially enhanced protection for soldiers from various threats and, most importantly, from improvised explosive devices, which have claimed the lives of so many soldiers in recent years.

"Overall the VBCI offers the best combination of mobility and firepower at an affordable cost without any compromise in protection."

The Closed Combat Vehicle program by Canada aims to acquire at least 100 medium-weight vehicles that will operate in support of tank forces. The winner of the contract will be announced this year, with deliveries beginning in 2013.

Nexter said its offered vehicles are undergoing testing at the U.S. military's Aberdeen Test Center in Maryland. The VBCI, however, is already in operation in Afghanistan.