Renault is working on a groundbreaking project: a “ground drone for military and civilian use.” This initiative, reported by L’Usine Nouvelle and BFM Business, is part of a partnership with John Cockerill, owner of the military vehicle manufacturer Arquus. Renault was contacted earlier this year by the Ministry of the Armed Forces, interested in their development and rapid production capabilities.
The manufacturer stated that their research and development teams are “testing and exploring various options, including ground robots, which also have potential civilian applications.” This is described as an “exploratory study project.” The envisioned prototype would be the size of a small car and designed for field reconnaissance. Its design is said to resemble a small lunar rover, equipped with multiple suspended cameras, and built on a technological platform utilizing existing modules and components from Renault.
Renault is expanding its defense ambitions with the potential unveiling of its first ground military drone at the Eurosatory exhibition in June. This is not Renault’s first project in the defense sector as they are already working on the aerial drone Chorus, produced in collaboration with Turgis Gaillard at the Le Mans factory with a production rate of up to 600 units per month.
In the long run, Renault and Arquus may also develop light military vehicles by possibly adapting certain models from the Dacia range for military use.
