France Orders Battle Management Systems For VBCI Vehicles / 800 SIT V1 BMS Ordered For The French Army

France Orders Battle Management Systems For VBCI Vehicles / 800 SIT V1 BMS Ordered For The French Army

(NSI News Source Info) March 5, 2009: The French Defence Procurement Agency (DGA) has placed an order on Nexter for 800 SIT V1 Battle Management Systems (BMS) in order to equip 400 Infantry Combat Vehicles (VCI).

The VBCI infantry fighting vehicles will be equipped with the SIT terminal information system, a version of the FINDERS computerised battle management system.

This contract includes a new version of the software which increases the interoperability of the SIT V1 with the other information systems in use by forces through the "SIC TERRE" joint operations. This contract also includes technical control and maintaining in operational condition (MCO) of the SIT V1 systems for 10 years.

The VCI infantry fighting vehicle version has a combat weight of 26t and accommodates two crew and a combat team of eight troops and commander. The troops can rapidly embark or disembark from the power operated ramp door at the rear of the vehicle.

The qualification of the SIT V1 BMS was pronounced by DGA in August 2007 following operational evaluation trials, which were conducted successfully by the 1st Foreign Cavalry Regiment, equipped with modernized AMX 10 RC tanks, VB2Ls and VBLs. The engagement in external operations by the regiment in Ivory Coast in 2007 and now in Afghanistan has additionally confirmed the excellent behaviour of the SIT V1, and in particular its ease of use and the operational benefits of this command system.

This new contract signed by DGA raises to over 1 200, the number of combat vehicles fielded by the French Army, which will be equipped with the SIT V1 information system.

To date, 400 systems are already deployed by the French forces on the Leclerc tank, the AMX10RC, the VCI and the VBL.