Mercedes-Benz, through its subsidiary Daimler Truck, has won a French Army tender for the delivery of 7,000 Zetros 4×4 trucks. Although of German origin, this model will be largely “Frenchified” at various levels.
Like other European armies, the French Army has a large number of vehicles tailored to various needs, sourced from either national manufacturers or foreign brands.
In summary, the French Army has awarded a significant contract to Mercedes-Benz for the supply of 7,000 Zetros trucks, which will gradually replace the old Renault GBC180 vehicles. These German vehicles will be extensively modified and adapted in France by Arquus to equip them with tactical equipment and armaments that meet national requirements. This collaboration combines the industrial expertise of Daimler Trucks with the knowledge of Arquus, ensuring a significant part of French value added. This initiative exemplifies a mixed procurement strategy and European cooperation in defense matters.
Moreover, the chosen model is the Zetros, an all-terrain truck launched in 2008 and utilized by several armies including the Canadian, Lithuanian, and Ukrainian forces with 15,000 units delivered to date. The French contract entails the delivery of 7,000 trucks over a period of 10 years to replace the aging Renault GBC180 vehicles in service since 1998. Designed to tackle tough terrains, this vehicle has a payload capacity of 6 tons and a six-wheel drive. It will be tailored by French teams to include armaments and tactical equipment, ensuring secure transportation of troops and logistical materials.
Daimler Trucks manufactures its military vehicles in Wörth am Rhein, near the French border, as well as in Molsheim in Alsace. “This Zetros, developed as part of our partnership project, combines the proven Daimler Truck platform with the military expertise of Arquus in terms of equipment and protection. Together, we can provide the French and European forces with a reliable vehicle that strengthens operational readiness and industrial sovereignty of our neighboring countries,” stated Daniel Zittel, Defense Sales Manager at Daimler Truck.
The table below provides a comparative overview of the Zetros and other relevant vehicles.
Key Takeaways: – Mercedes-Benz will supply 7,000 Zetros trucks to the French Army over 10 years. – These trucks will gradually replace the Renault GBC180 in service since 1998. – The German-designed Zetros will be adapted in France by Arquus to meet national requirements. – The partnership ensures significant French value addition despite the vehicle’s German origin. – This tender reflects a European approach involving both national and international equipment manufacturers. – The Zetros is already in use by other armies such as those of Canada, Lithuania, and Ukraine.
