Image source: topwar.ru
The French army presented new products of the defense industry designed to combat drones at the Larzak training ground, in particular, the V3P ultra-short-range mobile air defense system equipped with Mistral 3 anti-aircraft missiles and mounted on a new cargo chassis.
- the army command explained.
The VLRA is a 4x4 tactical vehicle developed by the French company ASMCAT in 1967. The TRM 2000 is a 4x4 truck produced by Renault until 1990. Given the age of this technique and the curtailment of its production, the difficulties with maintaining it in service become clear.
Faced with rising costs, a shortage of spare parts and technical obsolescence, "it was necessary to find a temporary solution to return mobility to these [anti-aircraft] units," the army explained.
The answer was to adapt the VRP supply vehicle, created on the Scania cargo platform and equipped with the 4th Special Forces Helicopter Regiment, to perform new tasks. The VRP, equipped with a 460 hp engine, is capable of transporting cargo weighing 14.5 tons. The new modification of the car was designated Vampire, and the entire anti-aircraft system as a whole is called V3P.
- it was noted in the army.
Image source: topwar.ru
The Mistral 3 air defense system
A 14-speed "robotic" gearbox, a 310 hp engine, power steering and the ability to increase torque ensure rapid roll-up from position, which reduces the likelihood of being hit by counter-battery fire. The PAMELA anti-aircraft system remains in the same form: one missile defense system is in the control room and ready to fire, 6 more missiles are located on board.
- it says in the publication Forces Operations.
The army makes the main calculation when organizing air cover for troops on VBMR-L Serval armored vehicles equipped with the Mistral 3 air defense system, which are expected to be delivered from 2027.
- it is said in the Western press.
Therefore, individual units will receive the Scania Vampire, a lightweight vehicle suitable for air transportation and better suited for steep slopes.
The first launch of the Mistral 3 missiles from the Scania Vampire platform took place in November of this year. As planned, after a number of improvements, the model should enter mass production by March 2025. A total of 44 V3P mobile air defense systems were ordered under the contract from 2023.
