Saudi Arabia buys 200 Nexter Aravis MRAP

[Armand2REP]

First export contract for the 4x4 French Nexter Aravis armoured vehicle for Saudi Arabia.

The Nexter Aravis is a high mobility 4x4 protected multi-mission vehicle intended for land forces in scenarios such as Iraq and Afghanistan

February 25, 2012

Laurent Collet-Billon Delegate General for the French Armaments Procurement Agency (DGA) confirmed this Monday, February 20, 2012 during the presenting of the DGA 2011 results, that the French Defence Company manufacturer Nexter has signed a contract in late 2011 with Saudi Arabia, for "between 100 and 200" ARAVIS 4 x 4 armoured vehicle.

This is the first export contract for the high protected armoured vehicle Aravis, which has been designed, developed and manufactured by Nexter. The vehicle was unveiled in 2008 at the International Defence Exhibition Eurosatory in paris, France.

An order for 15 ARAVIS vehicles was placed by the Délégation Générale pour l'Armement (French army procurement agency DGA) in April 2009 for use by the French Army as a reconnaissance and escort vehicle for engineer units. The Aravis is currently in use by the French armed forces in Afghanistan.

photo Sipa Terre

In July 2006, Saudi Arabia has placed an order for 80 CAESAR 155mm wheeled self-propelled howiter which are also manufactured by The French Company Nexter.

The vehicle ARAVIS for Saudi Arabia should be equipped with a remote weapons system armed with a 20mm Nexter gun ARX-20.

First export contract for the 4x4 French Nexter Aravis armoured vehicle for Saudi Arabia. - RP Defense

 

[Armand2REP]

I am sure it stung when China lost the artillery contract to France.

 

[SPIEZ]

Why does Saudi Arabia require mine protected vehicles? Are they too having insurgency or likewise threat ?

 

[Neil]

Why does Saudi Arabia require mine protected vehicles? Are they too having insurgency or likewise threat ?

they have insurgency like situation on saudi yemeni border so may be.....!!

 

[Armand2REP]

Why does Saudi Arabia require mine protected vehicles? Are they too having insurgency or likewise threat ?

The insurgency in Yemen is spilling over on the southern border. Al Queda has been operating in that region and the Saudis need something that can survive IEDs.

 

[Tshering22]

The insurgency in Yemen is spilling over on the southern border. Al Queda has been operating in that region and the Saudis need something that can survive IEDs.

I knew they had the problem with someone called the Houthies but never knew it would escalate to something that would resort to using IEDs against Saudi troops!

Saudi's in on a bigger spending spree than us on Western weapons these days. Imagine what would have happened if they were bordering China and Pakistan instead of us! 70% of their national budget then would be focused on defense.

 

[Armand2REP]

If Saudis want to spend like a major power, it would be nice to see them use it for something, like overthrowing Assad.

 

[asianobserve]

If Saudis want to spend like a major power, it would be nice to see them use it for something, like overthrowing Assad.

This would be like a Saudi F15 dropping a bomb over Tehran...

 

[Armand2REP]

They should be the ones to do it. They have the most to lose by Iran getting the bomb.