VBCI armor upgrades target drone threats

The VBCI armored vehicle is undergoing upgrades to its armor to better resist attacks from armed drones and other remote-controlled weapons. These improvements are being led by the 16th Infantry Regiment (16e BCP), inspired by lessons learned from conflicts like those in Ukraine and the rising threat of aerial attacks.

Cope cage added to VBCI turret

The VBCI's inhabited turret has been fitted with a "cope cage," a grid designed to either stop or trigger the detonation of drones or certain anti-tank weapons that attack from above. This addition aims to protect the vehicle from overhead threats.

Porcupine system developed for side protection

To address the increased vulnerability of the VBCI’s sides due to its maneuverable turret, a "porcupine" system was developed. This system uses 440 hollow rods with metal filaments at their ends, attached to the vehicle’s armor points to intercept and neutralize incoming threats.

Porcupine made from recycled materials

The rods used in the porcupine system were sourced from discarded bed frames, and the filaments came from ropes used in the VBCI’s towing winches. The initial prototype was built using basic tools like a 24mm wrench, requiring no specialized skills or equipment.

Collaboration and testing of the system

The development of the porcupine system involved collaboration with the 8th Material Regiment (8e RMAT) in Mourmelon, where blacksmiths, painters, and defense personnel helped refine the design through multiple prototypes. The system was tested in June by the Army Land Forces Technical Section (STAT) using over 1,400 porcupines.

Weight and visibility concerns addressed

The maximalist version of the porcupine system added two tons to the VBCI, prompting a redesign that reduced the number of rods and included a camouflage net to lower the vehicle’s visibility and infrared signature.

System effectiveness and trade-offs

Tests showed the system can trap drones traveling up to 80 km/h, slowing them down before the porcupines stop them. However, the system has trade-offs, such as increased vehicle silhouette and reduced mobility and observation capabilities, though it allows for adjustable protection.

Production and future expansion

The Army Land Forces have approved scaling up the production of the porcupine system, with 70 complete kits to be produced by the 13th Material Support Base (13e BSMAT) in Clermont-Ferrand. The first 10 units are expected in 2026, with the rest following in the next year.

Future military budget and system expansion

The 2027 military budget will fund the renovation of the first batch of 70 VBCI vehicles. While the porcupine system could be adapted for other vehicles, modifications would be needed for models like the Griffon or Serval. Meanwhile, the Swedish company Saab has introduced a drone-specific variant of its Barracuda system in 2026.