Renault Trucks Defense has delivered the first Sherpa APCs and Higuard MRAPs to the Qatar Internal Security Forces (ISF). The remaining vehicles are to be delivered by Spring 2013.

A Higuard MRAP belonging to the ISF can currently be seen on the Renault Trucks Defense stand at the IDEX international trade show in the United Arab Emirates.  

The special forces selected the Higuard for its ability to transport a 12-man law enforcement squad with their equipment while overcoming any obstacle. The dissuasive size of this 20-tonne armored vehicle makes it an excellent choice for riot squads. The armored vehicle’s protection is sufficient to withstand all forms of attack in urban violence.

The Higuards are also equipped with non-lethal armament allowing it to fire tear gas grenades at ranges of up to several hundred meters. The black and blue camouflage is characteristic of the ISF forces.   

The 10 Sherpa APCs are to supplement the anti-terrorist resources of Qatar’s Special Forces. This ten-tonne armored vehicle, which is capable of carrying ten infantrymen in addition to its two-man crew, can respond rapidly to a serious crisis by transporting response units to the location of the action. Its amour protects the crew from 7.62 mm ammunition. The Sherpa APC can also provide fire support to the response force using the 12.7 mm machine gun in its turret.   

The Sherpa APC, which is one of the models in the Sherpa Light family of armored vehicles, has already been sold to three countries. These armored vehicles can be fitted with an assault ladder to allow anti-terrorism squads to storm airliners.