Arquus unveils new anti-tank Panhard combat vehicle at IDEX 2023

The newly developed vehicle has 130hp diesel engine, automatic gearbox, brake assist system, improved front and rear suspension, centralised tyre inflation system, and most impressively, a Hornet defense remote-controlled weapon station (RCWS) fitted with an Akeron anti-tank missile launcher.

It’s being marketed as a compact, hard-to-spot vehicle for scouting, reconnaissance, and intelligence gathering missions or anti-tank vehicle used with an anti-tank guided missile team.

An Arquus spokesperson said the VBL Mk3 on display has been fitted with the launcher specifically for anti-tank combat and developed with European multinational MBDA.

“The recent combat experience has shown that anti-tank combat capabilities are key in a highly contested, highly intense battlefield,” the spokesperson said in a company statement for the event.

“The large number of armoured targets and the rhythm of combat operations call for the integration of multiple anti-tank weapons on armoured vehicles, to allow for tank-hunting and collaborative combat capabilities, or to provide with self-defence options in case of an unplanned encounter with enemy assets.

“Such a capability is now integrated in the Hornet RCWS, which now offers anti-tank capabilities on top of its native qualities.

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“The Akeron missile is integrated on the side of the RCWS, which preserves the compact size of the Hornet and contributes to its stealth.

“With its high mobility and compact silhouette, it is a perfect vehicle for infiltration. The VBL Mk3 will be able to scout while in movement and to shoot from inside the vehicle with the Hornet Akeron or from outside the vehicle with an Akeron firing station.”

The original Panhard vehicle was developed in the late 1980s and has been in service with the French Army since 1990 (a VBL Ultima model in service with the French Army is also on display for the event).

The vehicle type has previously seen use internationally as a scout, command post, reconnaissance, grenade launcher or anti-air missile mounted or anti-tank combat vehicle with various installed launchers.

Robert Dougherty

Robert is a senior journalist who has previously worked for Seven West Media in Western Australia, as well as Fairfax Media and Australian Community Media in New South Wales. He has produced national headlines, photography and videography of emergency services, business, community, defence and government news across Australia. Robert graduated with a Bachelor of Arts, Majoring in Public Relations and Journalism at Curtin University, attended student exchange program with Fudan University and holds Tier 1 General Advice certification for Kaplan Professional. Reach out via email at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or via LinkedIn.