Since 1976, more than 5,000 VABs have been produced in thirty different versions. 376 VAB's were used in Operation Desert Storm and VAB has been deployed in United Nations peacekeeping missions in Bosnia, Cambodia, Croatia, Lebanon, Rwanda and Somalia.

The VAB has been selected for the armed forces of fifteen countries, Argentina, Brunei, Central African Republic, Cyprus, France, Indonesia, Ivory Coast, Kuwait, Lebanon, Mauritius, Morocco, Norway, Oman, Qatar and the United Arab Emirates. The French Army has a fleet of almost 4,000 VAB vehicles.

The French Army has constantly carried out VAB enhancement programmes. Experience from combat has lead to the implementation of more than 1,100 improvements resulting in the design of the VAB New Generation (VAB NG). The VAB NG has been developed by Renault VI and Mecanique Creusot Loire, with Giat Industries managing the export marketing activities. The VAB NG development programme and demonstration phase are complete and the vehicle is ready for series production.

The vehicle can be fitted with a selection of weapon systems including a 12.7 mm or 25 mm Dragar turret, an anti-tank missile launcher turret or a variety of mortar systems. The 25 mm Dragar turret from Alenia and Giat is equipped with an electrically powered stabilised gun, fitted with thermal sights for night firing. The stabilisation system allows the gunner to maintain aiming accuracy on the move over rough terrain. The firing rate is up to 400 rounds per minute.

VAB NG has a steel hull and bullet-proof glazing which provide all-round protection against 7.62 mm AP ammunition and the front of the vehicle provides protection against armour piercing rounds. A splinter absorbent liner can be fitted in the crew compartment and add-on armour with protection against 14.5 mm armour-piercing ammunition can be fitted on the sides. The 180 degree windscreen and side windows are bullet proof, while the rear window is fitted with armoured shutters. A nuclear, chemical and biological warfare (NBC) protection system is integrated with the air conditioning system.

As well as the nuclear blast qualified armoured steel hull, the vehicle's protection against mine blast includes add-on floor protection, a robust drive line, and suspension arms with blast energy absorption characteristics.

The tactical mobility of the VAB is the result of a high torque turbo diesel commercial engine, the Renault MIDR 062045 (300 hp), a fully automatic gearbox, independent wheel suspension, large size wheels, short wheel-base, on-the-move central tyre inflation system and low ground pressure. The VAB's maximum torque at low engine speed, (1,200 Nm at 1,200 r.p.m) enables the crossing of difficult obstacles such as gradients, steps and trenches. Maximum road speed is 110 km/hr and the vehicle has an acceleration of 0 - 1000 m in 54 seconds.

The VAB is also fully amphibious. The water propulsion is by hydrojets giving a speed of 8.5 km/hour in water.

Versions of VAB currently being marketed are: amoured personnel carrier for two crew plus ten fully equipped troops; infantry fighting vehicle with 12.7 mm or 25 mm; DRAGAR turret; command post vehicle; anti-tank missile launcher turret; 81 mm mortar carrier; 320 mm heavy mortar tractor; ambulance; recovery vehicle fitted with a crane;

anti-riot vehicle; and nuclear, chemical, biological warfare (NBC) reconnaissance vehicle.

Optional equipment for the VAB includes self-protection grenade launcher, radio transceiver, intercom system, night driver's periscope, night vision goggles and Global positioning System (GPS) system. Various upgrade kits are available for the VAB including the conversion of the 4 x 4 vehicle into a 6 x 6. A middle axle assembly, comprising roadwheels and independent suspension is fitted and the braking system is adjusted.