French defense manufacturer Arquus has delivered the first batch of ACMAT Bastion armored vehicles to Ukraine, following a three-year evaluation process by the Ukrainian Armed Forces.
According to La Tribune, the vehicles were handed over after completing a full testing cycle, primarily conducted by the Ukrainian side.
The decision to procure the Bastion was made after extended use of several lower-cost vehicle models, which prompted an official request to Arquus and a formal order placement.
“The Ukrainian side selected a true entry-level armored vehicle — the Bastion,” noted Bertrand Boyard, an executive involved in the program.
Plans to deliver 11 Bastion vehicles to Ukraine were first announced in April 2023. However, progress was delayed due to the absence of a bilateral intergovernmental agreement between France and Ukraine.
It was not until May 2024 that Arquus CEO Emmanuel Levacher confirmed that production of the ordered vehicles had resumed. At the time, the company indicated it could manufacture up to 100 additional units upon Ukraine’s request.
About the Bastion
The ACMAT Bastion is a 4×4 armored personnel carrier designed for troop transport, reconnaissance, and command missions in high-risk areas. Built on the VLRA platform (Véhicule de Liaison de Reconnaissance et d’Appui), the Bastion is known for its ruggedness, simplicity of maintenance, and high mobility in diverse terrains.
The Bastion armored personnel carrier. (Source: Arquus)
Originally developed by ACMAT — now a subsidiary of Arquus — the Bastion combines a monocoque armored hull with a modular layout capable of transporting up to ten personnel. It offers protection against small arms fire, artillery splinters, and landmine blasts, with STANAG Level 1 or Level 2 ballistic protection depending on configuration.
The vehicle is powered by a 215-horsepower diesel engine and can reach a top speed of approximately 110 km/h. Its operational range exceeds 1,000 kilometers, allowing for extended missions without refueling. The Bastion’s robust suspension and high ground clearance make it suitable for both urban warfare and off-road operations.
The modular design also allows for various mission-specific configurations, including ambulance, communications, and weapons platforms. It is used by several countries across Africa and the Middle East, particularly in United Nations peacekeeping missions and counter-insurgency operations.
Earlier, Ukraine unveiled the GYURZA-02 armored vehicle at the IDEF 2025 exhibition in Istanbul—its most advanced urban combat platform to date. Developed by UKR ARMO TECH, the GYURZA-02 features modular armor, counter-drone systems, and AI-supported threat detection, reflecting battlefield lessons from 2022 onward.
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