Renault has expanded its work on military drones with a ground-based project developed in partnership with Belgian armored-vehicle manufacturer John Cockerill. The companies presented the Forefront Concept on Tuesday, November 3, describing it as a versatile, remotely operated ground platform.
The project is Renault’s third military drone initiative, following the Chorus aerial drone project with French small business Turgis Gaillard and the Toutatis project with defense company Thales. John Cockerill owns French company Arquus.
The Forefront Concept has four-wheel drive and steering, and is powered by two electric motors. The partners say it has an operating range of about 400 kilometers and can carry up to one tonne. Potential military roles include logistics support, reconnaissance, counter-drone operations, fire support and evacuation. The companies also cite civilian applications such as civil security operations, logistics and work in difficult or hazardous environments.
The platform is due to undergo real-world testing in the coming weeks during exercises for Pendragon, a ground-robotics project led by France’s defense artificial intelligence agency and the Future Combat Command. The project is intended to lead to the creation of France’s first AI-equipped military robotics unit in 2027. Exercises with the Belgian army are also planned.
Sources: Le Monde Économie.