VXB-170 (VBRG-170)

The VXB-170 is a French-designed 4x4 armored personnel carrier developed by Giat Industries, primarily intended for export and internal security roles. It features amphibious capabilities and a modular design, allowing for various weapon systems and mission configurations.

Developed by Berliet in the late 1960s as a private venture for a versatile, cost-effective wheeled armored vehicle, it ultimately lost the French Army's standard APC contract to the Saviem VAB. Despite this setback, the vehicle entered service in 1974 with the French National Gendarmerie under the designation VBRG-170, specifically configured for internal security and crowd control. It saw extensive operational deployment during civil unrest in French overseas territories such as New Caledonia, as well as peacekeeping missions in Kosovo. After nearly five decades of continuous service, the VBRG-170 is currently being phased out and replaced by the modern Soframe Centaure multi-purpose armored vehicle.