The French army defence procurement agency (DGA) notified a contract, December 30, 2015 to Renault Trucks Defense (RTD) for the manufacturing of 241 Light Special Forces Vehicles and 202 Heavy Special Forces Vehicles, as well as the integration of intelligence and communication equipment, and their support elements.

These vehicles will equip all of the Special Forces, who currently operate with a heterogeneous fleet of vehicles particularly worn down by the regularity of their engagement in overseas operations. 25 Heavy Special Forces Vehicles will be delivered in 2016 in a first standard to respond to the most urgent needs. The first light vehicles will be delivered from 2018.

The program responds to a most demanding operational requirement for intelligence or neutralisation missions, and in depth actions within hostile areas requiring maximum discretion. It aims to improve the interoperability and the fleet’s performance level across Land, Air and Marine components of the Special Forces.

Besides RENAULT TRUCKS Defense, manufacturer of combat vehicles who leads the project of this Special Forces vehicles contract also includes companies Panhard, subsidiary of RTD (conception and production of the light vehicle), and Essonne Sécurité (conception and production of common equipment for both vehicles).

Read more at www.armyrecognition.com