Image: KNDS Press Release
French defence firm highlights VBCI MKII infantry vehicle and AI-enabled counter-drone turret as Qatar evaluates next-generation capabilities
KNDS France is presenting two flagship systems tailored for Qatari forces at a defence exhibition, according to company announcements. The French defence manufacturer is promoting the VBCI MKII infantry fighting vehicle and the RAPIDFire Land counter-drone system, both designed to address evolving battlefield threats.
Battle-Tested Infantry Platform
The VBCI MKII represents the latest iteration of a platform extensively deployed by French forces. The vehicle has accumulated operational experience in Mali, Lebanon, Afghanistan, the Central African Republic and Eastern Europe, according to KNDS France.
The system demonstrates particular effectiveness in desert environments, terrain relevant to potential Qatari requirements. KNDS France emphasizes the vehicle’s protection architecture and reliability metrics derived from high-intensity operations.
KNDS France designed the VBCI MKII to accommodate multiple turret configurations, including 30mm cannon systems. This modularity aligns with Qatari logistics infrastructure and existing ammunition supply chains.
The company produces 30x173mm munitions compatible with the platform, including armor-piercing fin-stabilized kinetic penetrator rounds. KNDS France has supplied 30mm ammunition to Qatar for over four decades, dating to early Mirage 2000 aircraft cooperation.
The VBCI MKII’s firepower package enables engagement across diverse target sets while maintaining interoperability with Qatari armed forces logistics.
AI-Enhanced Air Defence Capability
KNDS France is showcasing RAPIDFire Land, a remotely operated 40mm turret system incorporating artificial intelligence algorithms. The platform addresses drone and loitering munition threats increasingly prevalent in contemporary conflicts.
RAPIDFire Land employs the same cannon fitted to France’s EBRC Jaguar reconnaissance vehicle. The system fires 40mm telescoped ammunition, including a specialized anti-aerial airburst (A3B) round designed for air defence missions.
The A3B round disperses tungsten sub-projectiles with directional terminal effects. KNDS France states this technology provides enhanced effectiveness against aerial threats compared to conventional munitions.
The 40mm telescoped ammunition format delivers three operational advantages, according to the manufacturer. Effective range exceeds standard 30x173mm rounds by over 100 percent. The telescoped design reduces munition length by 50 percent versus traditional 40mm rounds. This compression enables higher onboard ammunition capacity and reduced consumption per engagement.
Mobile Defence Architecture
RAPIDFire Land shares core technology with the close-in defence system already adopted by the French Navy. The land-based variant offers two mobility configurations: an 8×8 wheeled chassis version and a deployable 20-foot pallet variant.
The system carries 140 ready-to-fire rounds, enabling sustained engagement of drone swarms without reloading. KNDS France states RAPIDFire Land establishes a protective zone extending to 4 kilometers for high-value assets.
Qatar continues evaluating modernization options for its ground forces as regional security dynamics evolve. The exhibition presence underscores France’s longstanding defence relationship with Doha, which spans multiple equipment categories and decades of cooperation.
Source: KNDS France Press Release
