Bastion Armored Personnel Carriers: Armenia’s New Fleet
France has successfully completed the production of nearly half of the Bastion armored personnel carriers contracted by Armenia in 2023. According to a report from Caspian News, the development of 10 vehicles has been finalized, with deliveries anticipated later this year. This agreement will see Yerevan receiving a total of 26 Bastions from Paris, aimed at bolstering the country’s land forces amid escalating security concerns in the region.
The upcoming fleet of Bastions will enhance Armenia’s military capabilities, complementing a previous delivery of 24 units provided by the French government under a separate contract. Notably, these initial Bastions were originally intended for Ukraine. However, the procurement was canceled by Kyiv due to the vehicle’s light armor design, which was deemed inadequate for frontline combat.
Features and Specifications of the Bastion
Designed by Arquus Defense, based in Yvelines, the Bastion is a robust vehicle weighing 12,000 kilograms (26,455 pounds) and capable of transporting up to 10 troops. Measuring 6 meters (20 feet) in length, the Bastion can be equipped with NATO-standard armor, ranging from level 1 to level 3, tailored to the specific needs of its users.
One of the key features of the Bastion is its main armament, which can include a remote-controlled turret outfitted with either a 7.62mm machine gun or a 12.7mm heavy machine gun. The vehicle is powered by a 180-horsepower engine, enabling it to achieve speeds of up to 110 kilometers (68 miles) per hour, with a remarkable operational range of 1,400 kilometers (870 miles). Arquus offers various versions of the Bastion, including models for standard, special forces, and heavy armor applications, alongside an export version developed in collaboration with AM General.
