Arquus wins the “contract of the century” to supply 7,000 military trucks to the French Army
The French armored-vehicle manufacturer Arquus has won one of the largest tenders in recent European military history, securing the production and delivery of 7,000 logistical and tactical trucks for the French Army. The total value of the agreement is estimated at €5 billion, according to information published by several sources, including the French edition of La Tribune.
Historic tender and decisive partnership with Daimler Trucks
Arquus’ bid was submitted in partnership with Daimler Trucks, a collaboration that proved crucial in beating competitors by offering the strongest price indicators. The tender, already described by experts as the “contract of the century” in the military logistics platform segment, surpassed proposals from rivals such as Soframe-Iveco, MAN and Scania.
Although Soframe received the best technical score, the price factor was decisive for Arquus’ victory — precisely the area where the French-German partnership had an advantage.
A 12-year program to modernize the fleet
The tender from the French Directorate General of Armaments (DGA), announced in July 2024, outlines a 12-year program to replace military trucks with a payload of more than six tons, including versions with protected cabins. France plans to replace a total of 9,466 vehicles, with 2,086 logistical trucks being the immediate priority.
Final proposals (BAFO) were submitted to the DGA on October 14. The official confirmation of Arquus’ victory reinforces its central role in the modernization of France’s land forces.
Zetros 6×6 by Arquus: the new French military truck
The partnership between Arquus and Daimler Trucks was publicly highlighted during the FED Defense Forum, where the new military truck “Zetros 6×6 by Arquus” was unveiled.
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The model combines Daimler Trucks’ robust and widely tested chassis with Arquus’ expertise in militarization, armor and systems integration. Production will be distributed as follows:
- Chassis: Werth am Rhein and Molsheim
- Armored cabins: Garschiz and Limoges (Arquus)
- MCO support (maintenance and operation): Saint-Nazaire facilities
A strategic boost for the European military industry
A subsidiary of the Belgian group John Cockerill, Arquus strengthens its position as one of Europe’s leading military suppliers with this contract. The project includes deliveries in several optional batches and represents a strategic leap forward for the French Army in terms of mobility, logistics and response capability.
In 2026, the first batches of next-generation armored vehicles based on the program are expected to be contracted, further expanding the impact of the French-German partnership in the defense sector.
Source and images: latribune | Arquus | Mercedes-Benz Special Trucks. This content was created with the help of AI and reviewed by the editorial team.
