The defense sector is operating at full capacity. The car manufacturer Renault confirmed on Monday, March 30 that they are working on a new project: a “land drone for military and civilian use”. This initiative, revealed by L’Usine Nouvelle and reported by BFM Business, is part of a partnership with John Cockerill, the owner of the military vehicle manufacturer Arquus. Renault stated that they had been contacted earlier in the year by the Ministry of the Armies, who were interested in their capabilities for rapid development and production.
The manufacturer indicated that their research and development teams are “testing and exploring various options, such as ground robots, also presenting a potential for civilian applications”. “This is an exploratory study project,” added the group. The envisaged prototype would be the size of a small car and designed for field reconnaissance. According to L’Usine Nouvelle, its design would resemble a small lunar 4×4, equipped with multiple suspended cameras. It would rely on a technological platform incorporating certain existing modules and components from Renault.
Renault expands its ambitions in the defense sector
The presentation of their very first military ground drone could take place at the Eurosatory exhibition in June, although the manufacturer has not confirmed this date. This is not Renault’s first project in the defense sector. The group is already working on the Chorus aerial drone, in collaboration with Turgis Gaillard, produced at the Le Mans factory at a production rate of up to 600 units per month.
In the long term, Renault and Arquus could also develop light military vehicles, potentially adapting certain models from the Dacia range for military use.
