PARIS — As European carmakers explore whether to take on new defense-related opportunities amid soaring weapons demand across the region, French carmaker Renault and defense firm Thales unveiled a 4×4 prototype of the multirole civilian military vehicle (VCMR) at Eurosatory this week, positioning it as a solution to meet potential future land forces requirements. The vehicle, based on a coupe SUV that has been in production since 2024, and on display here coated in a military beige exterior, can be used to support drone operations.
Marc Dehondt, Thales’ Advanced Studies Manager, told Breaking Defense that Thales called on Renault to collaborate on 4Troop, for its industrial know-how and capacity for producing large quantities of vehicles, fast. The need for urgency appears to also align with national threat assessments.
“France fears we might see high intensity combat on its territory and to prepare for this possibility we need to be ready,” Dehondt added.
Part of this preparation involves what the French term “massification,” based on increasing the numbers of materiel in the armed forces.
“One area where we need to massify is human resources,” Dehondt explained, “and we will do that by using our reserve forces.” In France former military personnel can be called up at any time and at any notice for three years after they have left the armed forces. “We will need large quantities of equipment for these forces and we’ll need them fast. Which industry can do so? The automobile industry.”
