French military vehicle manufacturer Arquus has won a contract from the French Defence Procurement Agency (DGA) to develop and produce the new generation of French armed forces tanker trucks, the company announced on 17 May 2024.
The contract, which was officially awarded on 28 April, “confirms Arquus as a major player in the design and production of the French Army’s armoured logistical vehicles”, Arquus affirmed.
The first batch of 70 Camion-Citerne Nouvelle Génération (CCNG) vehicles is scheduled for delivery from 2026 as part of a broader programme aiming to provide 376 new-generation tankers by 2030, in accordance with France’s current military programming law (2024-2030).
The new tanker trucks are intended for service with the French Army and French Air and Space Force, as well as the Operational Energy Service. They are designed to meet specific requirements, notably robustness and versatility, as specified for their missions.
“A major element in the logistical chain of the armed forces, they ensure fuel supplies in challenging and sometimes exposed conditions, contributing to the success of operations,” Arquus noted in a press release.
Three tanker versions have been requested by the DGA: a 20 m³ tanker with an armoured cabin, known as the ‘mass transport’ CCNG; a 12 m³ tanker with an armoured cabin, known as the versatile ‘protection device’ CCNG; and a 12 m³ tanker with a soft cabin, known as the versatile ‘unprotected’ CCNG.
The new-generation tankers will be based on an 8×8 off-road chassis from the Renault Trucks civilian range.
“With its experience in the field and its collaboration with Magyar, a company that designs and manufactures tankers, and Desautel, a specialist in fire protection that brings expertise in distribution groups, Arquus confirms its leadership in the logistical component of the French Army,” the company stated.
Arquus designs and manufactures armoured cabins at its centre of excellence in Garchizy in central France. The complete assembly of the new-generation tankers will be carried out at the company’s new vehicle production centre of excellence in Limoges, south-central France, with the new contract leading to the opening of a new assembly line.
Arquus has also been mandated to develop and provide the support system for the CCNGs, including tools, spare parts, documentation, and training. Support services and technical management of the vehicle fleet will also be provided by Arquus.
