IDEX 2009 : Renault Trucks Defense offers spec ops vehicle to Middle East country

Renault Trucks Defense, a business unit of the Volvo automotive group, is in discussions with an undisclosed Middle East country for a sale of its Sherpa 3 special forces tactical vehicle, senior vice president Serge Perez said Feb. 25 at the at the IDEX show.

The potential sale would be for a few dozen vehicles, he said. The Sherpa 3 is armored to protect against mines and IEDs. The company developed the Sherpa vehicle range from its own funds over four years. Renault Trucks Defense said Feb. 18 it had signed a letter of intent with Land Rover to work together to bid for contract work from British Ministry of Defence to supply military support vehicles.

Under the deal, the French company would provide selected Sherpa vehicles which would be assembled in the UK by Land Rover. Renault Trucks Defense builds the VAB armored personnel carrier which serves as the French Army’s workhorse. The company is partnered with Nexter Systems in building the new VBCI armored carrier just now entering service with the French forces.

Posted in: Armoured Vehicles,IDEX,Middle East,UAE