{"id":27039,"date":"2017-12-11T17:50:36","date_gmt":"2017-12-11T17:50:36","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/one.sightlinemg.com\/defensenews\/uncategorized\/2017\/12\/11\/qatar-to-negotiate-with-nexter-for-armored-vehicles-add-ons\/"},"modified":"2026-08-07T22:10:16","modified_gmt":"2026-08-07T22:10:16","slug":"qatar-to-negotiate-with-nexter-for-armored-vehicles-add-ons","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/one.sightlinemg.com\/defensenews\/land\/2017\/12\/11\/qatar-to-negotiate-with-nexter-for-armored-vehicles-add-ons\/","title":{"rendered":"Qatar to negotiate with Nexter for armored vehicles, add-ons"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

PARIS \u2014 A letter of intent from Qatar for exclusive negotiations with Nexter has opened talks for various versions of the VBCI armored vehicle and an exploration of onboard systems, weaponry and services, according to three French defense executives.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The Gulf state has chosen the VBCI in a vehicle tender and signed the letter for talks with Nexter, the French Armed Forces Ministry said Dec. 9.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

A lengthy Qatari competition led to a last round fought between the French state-owned land systems company and Patria\u2019s armored modular vehicle, an executive said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The three defense executives, one of whom works for a defense company and the others as consultants, spoke to Defense News on condition of anonymity.
<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Qatar has picked the VBCI chassis and will now seek to decide which of the 490 units will be fitted for missions including infantry fighting vehicle, troop carrier, reconnaissance, command post, mortar, and ambulance, a second executive said. Weapons and ammunition will require large budgets on top of the planned vehicle purchase.<\/p>\n\n\n\t