Renault Trucks Defense (RTD) and Thales are presenting a new range of solutions for combined arms armored units and security agencies. The two companies are leaders in their respective fields and have partnered up to propose a complete range of packaged “off-the-shelf” solutions to customers.

Each package for company or battalion level units includes VAB Mk3 and Sherpa (photo) armored vehicles from Renault Trucks Defense with mission systems developed by Thales and tailored to each vehicle variant. At battalion level, for example, a fleet of up to 85 digitized vehicles, including VAB Mk3 armored vehicle in APC (Armored Personal Carrier) or IFV (Infantry Fighting Vehicle) configurations, can be delivered with the same electronic architecture (Battlenet Inside from RTD) and the field-proven Comm@nder Battlegroup command system from Thales. RTD and Thales commit to providing a fully operational system on a turnkey basis.

Other packaged solutions are available for battlefield reconnaissance and surveillance units, based on the Bastion and ALTV platforms from ACMAT (a subsidiary of RTD), with sensor suites from Thales including day/night optronics, battlefield surveillance radars, COMINT systems and CBRN sensors. These solutions are also suitable for domestic security agencies deploying the same units on border control and critical infrastructure protection missions.

RTD and Thales are long-term partners and the packaged solutions available today are based on well-developed technologies. The two companies presented an ALTV vehicle configured for border surveillance at Milipol 2011 and a digitized version of the VAB Mk3 at Eurosatory 2012. A Special Forces version of the Sherpa equipped with Thales sensors was presented at the Sofins special operations event in 2013.

Renault Trucks Defense, a benchmark manufacturer for Land Forces, designs and develops a complete range of armored vehicles, with the Sherpa®. A historic supplier to the French Army, with more than 4,000 VAB armored personnel carriers in service, Renault Trucks Defense serves more than 65 client countries around the world. Renault Trucks Defense employs 600 people in France and generated revenues in excess of €300 million in 2010. While armored vehicles account for over 60% of its sales, Renault Trucks Defense also develops trucks for a wide range of military applications. Renault Trucks Defense is involved in various programs in partnership with Nexter Systems, such as the CAESAR® artillery system and the VBCI armored infantry fighting vehicle. Renault Trucks Defense owns several brands worldwide, including ACMAT.

Thales is a global technology leader in the Aerospace, Transportation and Defense & Security markets. In 2012, the company generated revenues of €14.2 billion with 65,000 employees in 56 countries. With its 25,000 engineers and researchers, Thales has a unique capability to design, develop and deploy equipment, systems and services that meet the most complex security requirements. Thales has an exceptional international footprint, with operations around the world working with customers and local partners.