Watch the video report<\/span><\/strong><\/a><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\nLike new. A wheeled armored vehicle of the Gendarmerie (VBRG)<\/strong> and an armored forward vehicle (VAB)<\/strong> , in a version adapted to the maintenance of order<\/strong> , have just left the factory after having undergone a complete renovation and have been handed over at the Gendarmerie. Report.<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\nAt the beginning of November, motorists see unusual vehicles passing on the roads of the department of Indre-et-Loire. And more particularly in the area of Montlouis-sur-Loire, near Tours, where the Omat company is located. Specializing in the renovation of military equipment, it was entrusted by the Gendarmerie with the renovation of two armored vehicles. A VBRG and a VAB to be exact. They therefore carried out on the roads, but also on dedicated tracks, the last tests before their official handover to the Institution.<\/p>\n
Also read: How the Gendarmerie intends to replace its old armored vehicles<\/a><\/span><\/strong><\/p>\nRefurbished Gendarmerie armored vehicles<\/h2>\n
Forget the term \u201c retrofit<\/em> \u201d. Here, we prefer to talk about enhancement and modernization. Or even reconstruction, since that was literally the case for these two vehicles.<\/mark><\/mark> More than a simple brushstroke, it is thus a real work of refurbishment as new that has been carried out. New engines, new gearboxes (including an automatic one for the VAB), air conditioning\u2026 the vehicles handed over to the Gendarmerie in mid-November seem to be brand new. The first models, however, date from the 1970s. \u201cThat’s the whole objective of our approach<\/em> , explains St\u00e9phane Mathiaud, Managing Director of Omat<\/a> . We made something new out of the old.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\nEntirely renovated and painted in the colors of the Gendarmerie, the VAB was originally an Air Force vehicle. The new engine of this monster that it embeds makes it possible to reach 1,400 km of autonomy. With its eleven empty tons, it can accommodate ten passengers. For more comfort, space and safety, seats fitted with belts have replaced the traditional bench seats at the rear of this prototype. The thermal insulation has also been fully reinforced. The interior walls are equipped with insulating panels. They thus prevent the heat from the engine and the outside from spreading into the passenger compartment and improve the performance of the air conditioning.<\/p>\n![\"The](\"https:\/\/lessor.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/11\/20201102-Essor-VAB-Gendarmerie-OMAT-LP-4066-web_1200-1024x576.jpg?ezimgfmt=rs:660x371\/rscb12\/ng:webp\/ngcb12\")
The prototype of the forward armored vehicle (VAB), in a law enforcement version, offered to the Gendarmerie by the Omat company. (Photo: LP\/L’Essor)<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\nA unique \u201claw enforcement\u201d VAB<\/h2>\n
In addition, new equipment, such as the integration of an observation turret on the VAB, as already exists on the VBRGs, as well as additional ballistic protection. You then obtain an almost unpublished \u201claw enforcement\u201d version. Especially since it also has the precious blade, so dear to the gpolice men. Equipment that may however be optional or removable.<\/p>\n
Another advantage of the VAB: the availability of spare parts. \u201cThe armies are gradually separating from their VABs,<\/em> notes the boss of Omat. These are often vehicles destined for scrap or rendered obsolete. We take them back to make almost new vehicles.\u201d<\/em> Because apart from the bodywork which has multiplied the kilometers, everything else has been replaced. \u201cAnd again<\/em> , specifies Thierry Cholet, the technical director, even the bodywork has received a facelift.\u201d<\/em> Sandblasting, going after with anti-rust, painting, and even reinforcement of the shielding.<\/p>\nThe revival of the VBRG through renovation<\/h2>\n
On the VBRG side, the work is also impressive. \u201cWe received it after Notre-Dame-des-Landes, completely damaged<\/em>, remembers, supporting photos, Thierry Cholet. Only the four tires were new!\u201d As with the VAB, the machine had to be completely dismantled, the bodywork reworked, protected and repainted. It also received a new engine, entirely mechanical on request from the Gendarmerie, and various additions, such as air conditioning, thermal insulation panels and increased ballistic protection.<\/p>\n![\"The](\"https:\/\/lessor.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/11\/20201102-Essor-VBRG-Gendarmerie-OMAT-LP-4070-web_1200-1024x576.jpg?ezimgfmt=rs:660x371\/rscb12\/ng:webp\/ngcb12\")
The prototype wheeled armored vehicle of the Gendarmerie (VBRG) after its renovation by the company Omat. (Photo: LP\/L’Essor)<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\u201cThese are two prototypes. We deliver them in working order, ready to be used in operation.\u201d<\/em> Before that, they will nevertheless undergo a whole battery of tests by the technicians of the armored group of the mobile gendarmerie (GBGM). Based in Satory, in the Paris region, these experts will assess the two armored vehicles, both in terms of driving and in terms of tactical capabilities (clearing the road, pushing vehicles and barricades, etc.). In short, the whole spectrum of missions devolved to the armored squadrons of the Gendarmerie.<\/p>\nWhile the VBRGs are more suited to mainland France, the VABs correspond even more to the missions of the Gendarmerie overseas. Nearly half of the Gendarmerie fleet could therefore cross the oceans to reach these territories<\/a><\/span> .<\/p>\n
At the beginning of November, motorists see unusual vehicles passing on the roads of the department of Indre-et-Loire. And more particularly in the area of Montlouis-sur-Loire, near Tours, where the Omat company is located. Specializing in the renovation of military equipment, it was entrusted by the Gendarmerie with the renovation of two armored vehicles. A VBRG and a VAB to be exact. They therefore carried out on the roads, but also on dedicated tracks, the last tests before their official handover to the Institution.<\/p>\n
Also read: How the Gendarmerie intends to replace its old armored vehicles<\/a><\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n Forget the term \u201c retrofit<\/em> \u201d. Here, we prefer to talk about enhancement and modernization. Or even reconstruction, since that was literally the case for these two vehicles.<\/mark><\/mark> More than a simple brushstroke, it is thus a real work of refurbishment as new that has been carried out. New engines, new gearboxes (including an automatic one for the VAB), air conditioning\u2026 the vehicles handed over to the Gendarmerie in mid-November seem to be brand new. The first models, however, date from the 1970s. \u201cThat’s the whole objective of our approach<\/em> , explains St\u00e9phane Mathiaud, Managing Director of Omat<\/a> . We made something new out of the old.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n Entirely renovated and painted in the colors of the Gendarmerie, the VAB was originally an Air Force vehicle. The new engine of this monster that it embeds makes it possible to reach 1,400 km of autonomy. With its eleven empty tons, it can accommodate ten passengers. For more comfort, space and safety, seats fitted with belts have replaced the traditional bench seats at the rear of this prototype. The thermal insulation has also been fully reinforced. The interior walls are equipped with insulating panels. They thus prevent the heat from the engine and the outside from spreading into the passenger compartment and improve the performance of the air conditioning.<\/p>\n In addition, new equipment, such as the integration of an observation turret on the VAB, as already exists on the VBRGs, as well as additional ballistic protection. You then obtain an almost unpublished \u201claw enforcement\u201d version. Especially since it also has the precious blade, so dear to the gpolice men. Equipment that may however be optional or removable.<\/p>\n Another advantage of the VAB: the availability of spare parts. \u201cThe armies are gradually separating from their VABs,<\/em> notes the boss of Omat. These are often vehicles destined for scrap or rendered obsolete. We take them back to make almost new vehicles.\u201d<\/em> Because apart from the bodywork which has multiplied the kilometers, everything else has been replaced. \u201cAnd again<\/em> , specifies Thierry Cholet, the technical director, even the bodywork has received a facelift.\u201d<\/em> Sandblasting, going after with anti-rust, painting, and even reinforcement of the shielding.<\/p>\n On the VBRG side, the work is also impressive. \u201cWe received it after Notre-Dame-des-Landes, completely damaged<\/em>, remembers, supporting photos, Thierry Cholet. Only the four tires were new!\u201d As with the VAB, the machine had to be completely dismantled, the bodywork reworked, protected and repainted. It also received a new engine, entirely mechanical on request from the Gendarmerie, and various additions, such as air conditioning, thermal insulation panels and increased ballistic protection.<\/p>\n \u201cThese are two prototypes. We deliver them in working order, ready to be used in operation.\u201d<\/em> Before that, they will nevertheless undergo a whole battery of tests by the technicians of the armored group of the mobile gendarmerie (GBGM). Based in Satory, in the Paris region, these experts will assess the two armored vehicles, both in terms of driving and in terms of tactical capabilities (clearing the road, pushing vehicles and barricades, etc.). In short, the whole spectrum of missions devolved to the armored squadrons of the Gendarmerie.<\/p>\n While the VBRGs are more suited to mainland France, the VABs correspond even more to the missions of the Gendarmerie overseas. Nearly half of the Gendarmerie fleet could therefore cross the oceans to reach these territories<\/a><\/span> .<\/p>\nRefurbished Gendarmerie armored vehicles<\/h2>\n
A unique \u201claw enforcement\u201d VAB<\/h2>\n
The revival of the VBRG through renovation<\/h2>\n