PARIS — French automaker Renault Group announced Monday that it is teaming up with defense technology firm Thales to build a new military vehicle, marking another step in the company’s growing involvement in European defense initiatives.
The collaboration brings together Renault’s manufacturing expertise and Thales’s advanced secure communications technology with the goal of producing a versatile multi-mission vehicle that can be built quickly and at the best possible cost, according to the automaker.
The push for greater military capability across Europe has been driven in large part by Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, as well as changes in U.S. foreign policy under President Donald Trump — both of which have prompted European nations to significantly increase their defense spending.
Renault has previously indicated it responded to requests from France’s defense ministry to get involved in military-related projects. One such effort includes a plan to manufacture aerial drones in collaboration with drone maker Turgis Gaillard.
A prototype of the newly developed vehicle, given the name 4 TROOP, was unveiled Monday at the Eurosatory defense fair being held near Paris.
