Renault unveils ‘4 TROOP’ military vehicle concept

Renault and Thales, a European specialist in military and aerospace technology, recently presented a four-wheel drive military vehicle – the 4 TROOP. Based heavily on Renault’s Rafale mid-size SUV, the 4 TROOP is a ‘VCMR’ (Véhicule Civil Multi-Rôles - Multi-Role Civilian Vehicle) prototype equipped with systems to support a range of military requirements. These include the ability to operate and co-ordinate UAVs (Unmanned Aerial Vehicles) and UGVs (Unmanned Ground vehicles).

Presented at the Eurosatory defence and security expo in Paris this past June, the prototype is said to integrate advanced Thales technologies for secure communications, tactical connectivity, operational co-ordination and decision support into the electronic architecture of the Renault SUV.

The 4 TROOP provides military ground forces with a fully functional mobile command centre that can be configured to match specific mission requirements and provide effective mission capabilities thanks to Thales's ‘Combat Digital Platform’.

The Rafale that this prototype is based on is a coupe-style four-door SUV that debuted in 2024, replacing the Arkana that was briefly offered in Australia. Available in full hybrid, on in 4 TROOP application, as a plug-in hybrid, the latter combines a 1.2-litre turbocharged petrol three-cylinder engine and six-speed automatic transmission driving the front wheels with an electric motor on the rear axle for all-wheel drive capability. In civilian spec, the Rafale PHEV produces a combined 224kW and 450Nm.

Renault don’t detail how much, if any, of the Rafale’s running gear is changed for the 4 TROOP, but any changes must be minor, as the prototype is described as being able to benefit from Renault’s series production, maintenance and vehicle support; something that would be unlikely if it were heavily modified from the civilian SUV.

Described as being able to operate in all types of terrain, the 4 TROOP will fulfill a number of roles beyond UAV/UGV deployment and co-ordination, including reconnaissance, troop co-ordination, escort, logistical support and area surveillance. The Rafale’s integral hybrid system allows energy autonomy, known as ‘Vehicle-to-Load’ (V2L), allowing various types of electrical equipment necessary for military field operations to be powered off the SUV.

This solution is compatible with other vehicles in Renault’s range, so what’s in the Rafale-based 4 TROOP can also be applied to the French carmaker’s light commercials, like the Master van pictured below, and other utility vehicles.

Technological innovations developed by Thales for combat forces and applied to the 4 TROOP include secure communications, tactical connectivity, multi-sensor coordination and operational supervision and protection. In addition, the Combat Digital Platform and all of Thales's cybersecure digital solutions are fully compliant with the armed forces' operational and connectivity standards, helping to ensure rapid and efficient vehicle deployment.

"With the VCMR, which draws on the extensive range of Renault Group platforms, we are exploring a pragmatic, sovereign approach to operational mobility to quickly address new armed forces requirements and enhance the ability to anticipate developments and take action in the theatre of operations,” said Franck Naro, Engineering Vice President - Vehicle Projects & Operations, Renault Group.

“Building on tried-and-trusted civil platforms and our industrial production capacity, we are proposing an agile, resilient capability that can be mobilised immediately."