Key facts
- Renault Group and Thales are partnering to develop a new military vehicle called 4 TROOP.
- The vehicle is designed as a multi-mission platform for reconnaissance, surveillance, troop coordination, and drone deployment.
- A prototype will be showcased at the Eurosatory defence fair near Paris.
- The partnership aims for rapid production at an optimal cost, utilizing existing Renault production lines.
- Production could begin by early 2027, depending on demand and final specifications.
Renault Group and defence technology company Thales have announced a partnership to develop a new multi-mission military vehicle, codenamed 4 TROOP. This collaboration aims to leverage Renault's industrial manufacturing expertise and Thales's secure communications technologies to produce a vehicle quickly and at an optimal cost. The initiative is part of a broader trend of increased defense investment across European countries, spurred by Russia's invasion of Ukraine and evolving foreign policy landscapes.
A prototype of the 4 TROOP vehicle will be presented at the Eurosatory defence fair near Paris. Renault executives indicated that production could commence as early as 2027, with volumes dependent on demand and the adaptability of existing production lines, including potential for an electric variant. Renault has previously engaged with France's defense ministry on military projects, including a separate plan to develop aerial drones with Turgis Gaillard, and is also collaborating with John Cockerill on early-stage projects.
The partnership highlights the defense sector's increasing reliance on the automotive industry's production capacity to meet a surge in orders. Renault CEO Francois Provost noted the automotive industry's ability to develop projects within approximately 12 months, contrasting with longer traditional defense development timelines.