Picture a French soldier stationed in Mali, watching helplessly as their supply convoy breaks down in the scorching desert heat. The aging truck that was supposed to deliver water, ammunition, and medical supplies to the forward base is now smoking on the roadside, its engine finally giving up after years of demanding service.
This scene has played out countless times across French military operations worldwide. Worn-out logistics vehicles have become more than just an inconvenience – they’re a genuine threat to mission success and soldier safety.
That’s about to change in a big way. France just signed one of its largest military vehicle contracts in decades, ordering 7,000 brand-new Zetros military trucks that will completely transform how the French Army moves supplies, equipment, and personnel around the globe.
A Massive Deal That Changes Everything
On January 16, 2026, John Cockerill announced that its French subsidiary Arquus, partnering with Daimler Truck, had secured the contract to supply 7,000 next-generation Zetros military trucks to the French Army. This isn’t just another procurement deal – it’s a complete overhaul of France’s military logistics backbone.
The contract falls under France’s PL6T programme, which stands for “Porteurs Logistiques 6 Tonnes” – essentially meaning logistics carriers that can handle a six-tonne payload. Worth approximately €2 billion, this programme will span more than a decade and replace thousands of aging medium trucks with a single, modern 6×6 platform.
“This contract represents a fundamental shift in how we think about military logistics,” explains defense analyst Marie Dubois. “France is finally acknowledging that wars are won by the trucks that deliver supplies, not just the tanks that fire shells.”
These Zetros military trucks will gradually replace the 4-6 tonne vehicles that have served as the army’s workhorses for decades across France, overseas territories, and training facilities. The timeline extends well into the 2030s and covers not just the vehicles themselves, but also specialized equipment, variant models, and comprehensive long-term maintenance support.
What Makes These Trucks Special
The new Zetros military trucks aren’t your typical army vehicles. They’re built to handle the most demanding conditions while keeping soldiers safer and missions running smoothly.
- All-terrain capability: The 6×6 configuration means these trucks can navigate everything from desert sand to mountain snow
- Mine-resistant design: Enhanced protection against improvised explosive devices and other threats
- Modular platform: One base vehicle can be configured for multiple roles – cargo transport, personnel carrier, mobile workshop
- Advanced electronics: Modern communication systems and GPS navigation integrated from the factory
- Improved reliability: Significantly reduced maintenance requirements compared to current fleet
The partnership between John Cockerill’s Arquus and Daimler Truck combines French military expertise with German engineering excellence. Arquus brings decades of experience building vehicles for the French military, while Daimler contributes proven commercial truck technology adapted for military use.
| Feature | Current Fleet | New Zetros Trucks |
|---|---|---|
| Payload Capacity | 4-6 tonnes (varied) | 6 tonnes (standardized) |
| Drive Configuration | Mixed (4×4, 6×6) | 6×6 all-wheel drive |
| Protection Level | Basic armor | Mine-resistant, ballistic protection |
| Maintenance Schedule | Every 5,000 km | Every 10,000 km |
| Expected Service Life | 15-20 years | 25-30 years |
“The standardization aspect alone will save the French military millions in training, spare parts, and maintenance costs,” notes military logistics expert Colonel (ret.) Jean-Pierre Laurent. “Right now, mechanics need to know how to fix a dozen different truck models. Soon, they’ll focus on mastering just one.”
Why This Matters Beyond the Military
This massive truck order signals France’s recognition that modern warfare has fundamentally changed. The conflicts in Ukraine, Mali, and other regions have demonstrated that supply lines are often the decisive factor in military success or failure.
For French taxpayers, this investment represents better value for defense spending. Instead of constantly repairing and replacing an aging mixed fleet, the military will operate a standardized, reliable vehicle platform that costs less to maintain and lasts longer in service.
The deal also strengthens France’s defense industrial base. John Cockerill’s Arquus will handle final assembly and integration at its French facilities, supporting thousands of jobs and maintaining critical manufacturing capabilities within the country.
“This isn’t just about buying trucks,” emphasizes defense economist Dr. Sophie Martin. “It’s about ensuring France can project power globally while supporting its domestic defense industry.”
The timing coincides with France’s broader military modernization efforts under the “Toward a Combat-Ready Army” initiative. This program emphasizes logistics resilience as a core military requirement, not an afterthought. The new Zetros military trucks are a cornerstone of this transformation.
European allies are watching this procurement closely. Several NATO countries operate similar vehicle fleets nearing replacement, and the French experience with these new trucks could influence their own purchasing decisions.
The contract also includes provisions for potential export versions, meaning these vehicles could eventually serve with allied militaries worldwide. This creates additional revenue streams for the manufacturers while strengthening interoperability between friendly forces.
Delivery schedules call for the first vehicles to enter service in late 2026, with full deployment completed by the mid-2030s. The phased rollout allows for proper training, logistics setup, and gradual retirement of older vehicles without disrupting ongoing operations.
FAQs
How many Zetros military trucks is France buying?
France has ordered 7,000 Zetros military trucks under the PL6T contract worth approximately €2 billion.
Who is building these trucks?
The vehicles are being supplied by a partnership between John Cockerill’s French subsidiary Arquus and Daimler Truck.
When will the trucks be delivered?
Deliveries begin in late 2026 and will continue through the mid-2030s as part of a phased replacement program.
What makes these trucks different from current French military vehicles?
The new Zetros trucks offer standardized 6×6 all-wheel drive, enhanced protection against mines and ballistic threats, and significantly improved reliability.
Will these trucks only serve in France?
No, they’ll operate globally wherever French forces are deployed, including overseas territories and international missions.
How much is this contract worth?
The PL6T programme is valued at approximately €2 billion over more than a decade, covering vehicles, equipment, and long-term maintenance support.
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