Future European Combat Systems (Germany + France)

[PlasmaKrab]

It's interresting because before the Puma, Germany and France had light vehicles (Fox, VAB) and no heavy like US Bradley or UK's Warrior

Well, the Germans did, and were among the first western countries doing so. A little something called Marder SPz, procured in more than 2000 units by the Bundeswehr from 1971 onwards...

http://www.fas.org/man/dod-101/sys/l.../marder1a3.htm
http://www.panzerbaer.de/types/bw_spz_marder_1a1-a.htm

It was actually a replacement for the primitive IFV HS-30 (already full-tracked with 20mm autocannon).
The French also had the lighter AMX-10P, which was never anything like a Bradley or a Warrior.

That's why the Puma is heavier (it is a real heavy IFV like the Marder or Bradley), while the VBCI is a lighter "wheeled IFV" designed for manoeuver warfare besides the Leclerc.