France Delivers 61 Bastion Armored Vehicles to Ukraine, Expands Defense Cooperation in Europe

Paris/Kyiv, 2024 – France has reinforced its military support to Ukraine by completing the delivery of 61 Bastion 4×4 armored vehicles, a major step in strengthening Kyiv’s defense capabilities amid ongoing conflict. The contract was signed by Arquus, France’s leading land defense manufacturer, under cooperation agreements between Paris and Kyiv.

Details of the Delivery

The shipment was carried out in phases. The first batch of 11 vehicles was dispatched for immediate troop transport roles, while the remaining 50 units were delivered in subsequent shipments. This fleet of armored personnel carriers will significantly improve Ukraine’s capacity for troop mobility, patrol operations, and logistical support.

The Bastion APC is a battle-tested platform designed to perform in high-intensity and peacekeeping operations alike. With seating for a crew of two and up to eight soldiers, the Bastion provides protection against small arms fire, artillery fragments, and improvised explosive devices (IEDs).

Technical Features of the Bastion

• Weight: ~12 tons, built on the VLRA 4×4 chassis.

• Gross Vehicle Weight (GVW): 12.5 tons.

• Capacity: 2 crew + 8 troops.

• Mobility: Tactical off-road performance suitable for rough terrains.

• Air-transportable: Can be deployed via C-130 Hercules aircraft.

• Protection: Meets STANAG 4596 ballistic protection standards, ensuring safety against light arms and mine blasts.

• Ease of Maintenance: Designed for fast repair and support in field conditions.

The vehicle is widely used for patrols, peacekeeping missions, convoy escort, and troop transport in difficult environments. The Bastion is also operated by several African nations and peacekeeping forces, highlighting its proven reliability.

Wider European Defense Role of Arquus

Alongside the Bastion, Arquus has also received contracts to deliver 76 CAESAR Mk1 artillery system carriers, which will be used by multiple European nations, including Ukraine. The CAESAR 155mm artillery system has been one of the most effective Western-supplied weapons in Ukraine, combining mobility, precision, and long-range strike capability.

In July 2024, Arquus became part of the Belgian defense group John Cockerill Defense, with both France and Belgium each taking a 10% ownership stake. This strategic partnership allows the two companies to combine sales networks, share production capabilities, and merge product lines, resulting in a stronger European defense ecosystem.

France’s Expanding Support for Ukraine

France has steadily increased its military aid to Ukraine since 2022, providing armored vehicles, air defense systems, artillery, and training support. President Emmanuel Macron has emphasized France’s commitment to supporting Kyiv for “as long as necessary” against Russian aggression. The delivery of Bastion vehicles highlights Paris’s strategy of combining direct military support with industrial cooperation, strengthening both Ukraine’s defense and Europe’s defense industry.

Strategic Outlook

The consolidation of Arquus armored vehicles with Cockerill turrets and weapon systems creates a versatile lineup of light armored vehicles and firepower solutions. These are being targeted not only for France and Belgium but also for allied and partner nations, with Ukraine as one of the primary beneficiaries in the near term.

By aligning industrial cooperation with defense aid, France and Belgium are shaping a stronger European defense supply chain, while Ukraine gains vital battlefield tools to withstand ongoing challenges.

The completion of the 61 Bastion armored vehicle delivery marks an important milestone in France-Ukraine defense cooperation. Together with future deliveries of CAESAR artillery systems, this step strengthens Ukraine’s resilience and reflects Europe’s broader efforts to build a unified defense response.

The Bastion’s combination of protection, mobility, and battlefield flexibility ensures it will play a critical role in enhancing Ukraine’s frontline operations, while Arquus’s integration with John Cockerill Defense underscores the growing European commitment to collective security.