The French Procurement Agency (Direction générale de l’armement, DGA) officially awarded Arquus for a contract to develop and produce the new generation of tankers (CCNG) to renew its current fleet. This contract confirms Arquus as a major player in the design and production of the French Army’s armored logistical vehicles. The first batch of 70 vehicles is scheduled for delivery started in 2026, as part of a broader program aiming to provide 376 new generation tanker by 2030, in accordance with the current military programming law (2024-2030). These new tankers are intended for the armed forces: the Army, the Air and Space Force, as well as the Operational Energy Service. They are designed to meet specific requirements, notably robustness and versatility, requested by their missions.
A major element in the logistical chain of the armed forces, they ensure fuel supply in challenging and sometimes exposed conditions, contributing to the success of operations. The new generation tankers are based on an 8×8 off-road chassis from the Renault Trucks civilian range. Three versions have been requested to adapt to different missions:
20m³ tanker with an armored cabin, known as the “mass transport” CCNG
12m³ tanker with an armored cabin, known as the versatile “protection device” CCNG
12m³ tanker with a soft cabin, known as the versatile “unprotected” CCNG
With its experience in the field and its collaboration with Magyar, a company that designs and manufactures tankers, and Desautel, a specialist in fire protection that brings expertise in distribution groups, Arquus confirms its leadership in the logistical component of the French Army. Arquus designs and manufactures the armored cabins at its center of excellence in Garchizy (France). The complete assembly of these new generation tankers will be carried out at its new vehicle production center of excellence in Limoges. This new contract will lead to the opening of a new assembly line. Arquus has also been mandated to develop and provide the support system, including tools, spare parts, documentation, and training for these new vehicles.Support services and technical management of the vehicle fleet are also provided by Arquus.
As Business Area Defense of the Volvo Group, Arquus has access to civilian technologies developed by the group. In 2016, Volvo announced its intention of divesting Renault Trucks Defense, as part of the selling of its Government Sales division. It manufactures a range of special vehicles aimed at the defense and security markets, including the Sherpa, VAB armoured personnel carrier, the AMC armoured multirole carrier and Kerax ranges. In 2006 Renault Trucks took over ACMAT, but the defence and security vehicle manufacturer retained its own name and identity. On 24 May 2018, Renault Trucks Defense was renamed as Arquus. This therefore gives Arquus access to electromobility, automation and autonomous driving, key elements of Volvo’s innovation, for military applications.
