FED Defence Company Forum 2025 – Arquus “Zetros 6×6 by Arquus”, a new challenger for the French Army bid
The partnership between Arquus and Daimler Trucks to develop the French Army’s new 6X6 military truck was unveiled in real at the 19th edition of the FED, the Defence Company Forum, held on 8-9 October at Versailles Satory, France, the two companies exhibiting the “Zetros 6×6 by Arquus”
The replacement of 4-6 tonnes heavy trucks was part of the latest military programming law to find a successor to the Renault GBC 180, which is nearing the end of its service life. A total of 9,466 units of all types would be required to replace the entire fleet, with an initial target of 2,086 logistics trucks. At the FED 2025 Arquus and Daimler Trucks unveiled the new product, while not many technical details were provided.
In July 2024 the French General Directorate for Armaments (DGA) has launched a call for tenders for a 12-year replacement programme for 7,000 logistics vehicles in the 6-tonnes all-terrain range, capable of incorporating a protected cab.
Several manufacturers have already submitted bids, including Arquus in partnership with Daimler Trucks, Soframe in partnership with the Italian company Iveco, MAN from the Volkswagen group, and Scania. The deadline for submitting bids is scheduled for October 14, with a final decision expected by the end of this year.
The innovative offering proposed by Arquus, the “Zetros by Arquus,” is based on a complementary approach. The partnership between the two manufacturers brings expertise in the mobility and robustness of a proven military tactical chassis for Daimler Trucks, and militarization adaptation and integration of weapons or armour systems for Arquus.
Based on a Zetros 6X6 chassis from the Daimler Trucks range, this type of vehicle is already in service worldwide with numerous armies. It falls into the category of trucks with a payload of over 6 tonnes, regardless of the integration or the type of modified cab.
Chassis manufacturing is performed in Wörth am Rhein, Germany, on the French border, with factories also located in Molsheim, France. All specific French army integrations and armoured cabins will be produced at the Arquus sites in Garchizy and Limoges. Not forgetting post-production support with MCO (Maintenance in Operational Conditions), which Arquus already masters at several of its industrial sites, including the one in St. Nazaire.
A real asset for meeting manufacturing capacity while remaining responsive to operational priorities requiring increased production and integrating into a long-term defence program.
Photos by J. Hadacek
