The VAB (Véhicule de l'Avant Blindé) was designed in the late 1960s to provide the French Army with a less expensive and sophisticated alternative to the AMX-10P (then being developed) for its non-mechanized units. The VAB was intended to fulfill a variety of battlefield roles including as a cargo carrier and a mortar platform besides its main use as an APC and as a result, it was developed in both 4 x 4 and 6 x 6 configurations, featuring a traditional layout with the troop compartment accessible through doors in the rear hull. The welded steel armor provides protection from 7.62-mm rounds, although this has been strengthened in more recent versions to protect from 14.5-mm armor-piercing rounds in the front of the hull. Amphibious capability is provided through two water-jets, and NBC protection is standard among French Army units, optional for export customers of which there have been 15 in total (Italy has been the only NATO customer). French Army VABs have seen extensive combat including the Gulf War (where HOT-armed units successfully engaged Iraqi combat vehicles), as well as Cote d'Ivoire, Yugoslavia, Chad, and Afghanistan, and will remain in service for the foreseeable future.

Prototypes of what eventually became the VAB were built by Panhard and Renault in 1972-73, the latter emerging as the winner, entering service with the French Army in 1976 in its 4 x 4 configuration (6 x 6 versions are geared mostly for export). The basic French Army version is the VAB VTT troop transport, but missile platforms include the VCAC HOT and VCAC Milan versions (a TOW platform is offered privately). The VAB RATAC and VAB ATILA are equipped with radar and data transmission systems, respectively, the latter replaced by the VAB ATLAS. Other non-combat variants include the VAB PC command vehicle, VAB Génie engineering vehicle, VAB Bromure electronic warfare vehicle, VAB Sanitaire ambulance, VTM 120 mortar towing vehicle, VPM 81 mortar carrier and the VAB NBC reconnaissance vehicle. An export-oriented combat vehicle known as the VAB VCI is offered with various turret configurations housing 20-mm or 25-mm cannon. Lastly, a modernization program geared for export resulted in the VAB NG (Nouvelle Génération) with stronger armor protection, a new engine, and mechanical improvements.