The defense sector is running at full throttle. French automaker Renault confirmed on Monday, March 30 that it is working on a new project: a “ground 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 military vehicle manufacturer Arquus. Renault mentioned being contacted earlier in the year by the Ministry of Armed Forces, interested in its quick development and production capabilities.
The manufacturer stated that its research and development teams are “testing and exploring various options, including ground robots, also showing potential for civilian applications”. “This is an exploratory study project,” added the group. The envisioned prototype would be the size of a small car and designed for field reconnaissance. According to L’Usine Nouvelle, its design resembles a small lunar 4×4 with multiple suspended cameras. It would be based on a technological platform incorporating some existing modules and components from Renault.
The presentation of Renault’s very first military ground drone could take place at the Eurosatory exhibition in June, although the manufacturer has not confirmed this date. Renault has previous experience in the defense sector, currently working on the aerial drone Chorus in collaboration with Turgis Gaillard, produced at the Le Mans factory with a production rate of up to 600 units per month.
In the long term, Renault and Arquus may also develop light military vehicles by potentially adapting some models from the Dacia range for military use.
