Acmat Bastion.
The Acmat Bastion is a French armored tactical vehicle designed for various military and security purposes, such as patrols, troop transport, peacekeeping missions, and counterinsurgency operations. It is manufactured by ACMAT (Ateliers de Construction Mécanique de l’Atlantique), a subsidiary of Arquus (formerly Renault Trucks Defense).
Here is a detailed explanation of the Acmat Bastion:
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🔹 *1. Origin and Development*
*Country of Origin:* France
*Manufacturer:* ACMAT / Arquus Defense
*Introduced:* Around the *2010s*
The Bastion is based on the ACMAT VLRA (Véhicule de Liaison, de Reconnaissance et d'Appui)** platform — a military truck renowned for its durability in the harsh conditions of Africa and the Middle East.
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🔹 *2. Design and Structure*
Utilizes the proven durability of the ACMAT VLRA 4x4 truck chassis.
The body structure uses welded steel armor with ballistic protection against 7.62 mm rounds and artillery fragments.
Passenger capacity: 2 crew + 8 troops (10 people total).
The modular design allows modification for various missions — patrol, ambulance, command, or logistics transport.
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🔹 *3. Protection and Features*
*Ballistic protection:* STANAG 4569 Level 1–2, protects against bullets and light mines.
*Mine protection:* Equipped with a V-shaped hull to withstand bottom-firing (IEDs and mines).
*Armament:* Typically mounted on the turret with a 7.62 mm or 12.7 mm machine gun.
An option for a remote-controlled weapon system (RWS) is also available.
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🔹 *4. Performance and Mobility*
*Engine:* Turbocharged 4-cylinder diesel, approximately **215 hp**.
*Transmission:* Manual or 6-speed automatic.
*Maximum speed:* ±110 km/h.
*Cruising range:* up to *1,000 km* thanks to a large fuel tank.
*Grade capacity:* 60%, and lateral tilt capability up to 30%.
Can operate in various terrains: desert, mountains, and rough roads.
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🔹 *5. Main Variants*
*Bastion HM:* General patrol version.
*Bastion PATSAS:* For Special Forces, with an open roof.
*Bastion APC:* Standard armored personnel carrier.
*Bastion SAN:* Medical version (armored ambulance).
*Bastion Command Post:* Command and communications vehicle.
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🔹 *6. International Users*
The Acmat Bastion has been used by many countries, especially in **Africa**, **the Middle East**, and **Eastern Europe**, including:
*France*
*Burkina Faso**, **Mali**, **Niger**, **Chad*
*Ukraine* (received from France for the war against Russia)
**Senegal**, **Togo**, **Cameroon**, and other countries
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🔹 *7. Key Advantages*
*High durability* in extreme climates.
*Low operating costs* compared to heavy armored vehicles.
*Easy to maintain* due to its simple mechanical system from the VLRA.
*Modular and flexible* for a variety of missions.
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*Conclusion:*
🪖 The Acmat Bastion is a French-made multi-purpose 4x4 armored vehicle that stands out for its **reliability, mechanical simplicity, and rugged terrain survivability**. Suitable for operations in desert areas or conflict zones with minimal infrastructure, this vehicle is a favorite choice for many developing countries and UN peacekeeping forces.