IDEX 2025: VBCI For Qatar: second-hand on the third attempt? (Opinion)
KNDS display's its VBCI at IDEX in Abu Dhabi. (Sam Hart)
On the ground at IDEX with delegation’s chequebook in hand, Qatar’s dreams of the Boxer appear potentially moribund.
Given Qatar’s 2013 order of the Leopard 2A7Q, all signs at Eurosatory 2024 pointed to a Qatari selection of the similarly Western Boxer as its new 8x8 IFV following nearly a decade of deliberation and controversy. Rumours and reports from industry sources in Paris suggested trials with the CT40 turret were imminent and calendars were prospectively marked for IDEX 2025 as a potential announcement of a contract award.
Qatar is no stranger to controversy and delays in its planned acquisition of a new 8x8 IFV. For all the ease it had in its early-mid 2010’s Leopard 2 acquisition, the Middle
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