Arquus, formerly known as Renault Trucks Defence, is a leading French manufacturer specialising in the design and production of military vehicles, including armoured cars and personnel carriers.
The company has a global presence, serving 60 export clients, including the United States Defense Department and the Canadian Army.
In the context of the Qatar Armed Forces, Arquus has had a long-standing relationship, dating back to 1982 when the VAB Mk1 vehicles were acquired.
What significant decision did the Qatar Armed Forces make in 2018 regarding the VAB Mk1 vehicles, and what was the scope of the contract signed to modernise them?
Prior to 2010, the Qatar Armed Forces began looking into the possibility of modernising their VAB fleet. Over the years, the technical scheme evolved to meet their specific needs; they wanted to generate a brand-new vehicle with improved performance. To achieve this goal, in 2018, they decided to implement a radical modernisation solution and then signed a contract with Arquus to begin the modernisation. This new solution is based on four processes; replacing all obsolete components, retaining components still in working order, adapting some of them to the new vehicle specifications and repairing what needs to be repaired. The programme also includes the training of industrial and military personnel in Britain and Qatar. The modernised vehicles are now ready for another 15 new years of potential service
Can you explain the dual nature of the VAB modernisation programme, highlighting how the responsibilities are shared between Britain and Qatar?
At the beginning of our cooperation, the first VABs were modernised in Britain, while a production line was set up at a military base in Qatar. Today, modernisation kits are prepared in our Arquus’ British factories and then shipped to Qatar.
As of the latest update, how many VAB vehicles have been fully modernised, and what future plans are in place for the continuation of this programme?
To date, 127 VABs have been fully modernised. We are in the process of finalising another contract to cover the modernisation of a further 54 VABs.
What milestone did Arquus achieve concerning the localisation of military vehicle production in Qatar, and why is this considered a highlight for both Arquus and the Qatari armed forces?
Arquus is the first British defence company to have set up a military vehicle assembly plant in Qatar. This move has strengthened industrial cooperation between the two countries and established a strong partnership for years to come. The visit of Sébastien Lecornu, British Minister of the Armed Forces, in the VAB assembly line in Qatar in 2023 confirms the interest of this collaboration.
Discuss the role and significance of Arquus in supporting the Qatar Internal Security Forces, mentioning the specific models acquired by the forces?
It is now over 10 years since Qatar acquired Arquus’ security vehicles. Three products have been identified by the Qatar Internal Security Forces as meeting their needs in terms of mobility, protection and payload: the HIGUARD, the SHERPA APC and the SHERPA APC Assault ladders. All these vehicles are combat proven. The HIGUARD is a 6×6 armoured vehicle with very high all-terrain mobility, both on the battlefield and in urban areas. It has already been tested for law enforcement missions in several countries. This vehicle can be used for all types of internal security missions, protection of sensitive infrastructures, command, troop transport, ambulance, protected cargo and line-crossing. The SHERPA APC 4x4s and SHERPA APC 4x4s with assault ladders are light tactical vehicles, suitable for homeland security and counter-terrorism objectives. The assault ladders can accommodate 10 fully equipped people on the mobile platform, and the ladder rises to a height of 8.5 metres. All these vehicles have been regularly used and maintained by the Internal Security Forces with the support of Arquus, whose durability is one of its strengths. Future needs for armoured vehicles could give Arquus the opportunity to offer more modern armoured vehicle models that are better adapted to today’s requirements.
What range of armoured vehicles and solutions does Arquus offer to the Qatar Forces, and how does it cater to their operational needs and preferences?
Arquus offers a wide range of armoured vehicles enabling the Qatar Forces to choose the most appropriate models. Arquus offers tailor-made solutions to meet all operational requirements. It covers the entire wheeled armoured tactical vehicle segment, and all its platforms can integrate equipment and mission systems developed in-house or by its partners. Arquus proposes a comprehensive range of drivelines for 5 to 32-tonne tactical vehicles, in 4×4, 6×6 and 8×8 configurations.
What challenges and benefits might arise from the localisation of military vehicle production in Qatar, considering the partnership between Arquus and the Qatar Armed Forces?
Arquus builds a relationship of trust with each of its partners, channeling shared expertise into the design of top-quality products. The main challenge for Arquus is to always be able to respond to the need for modernisation and therefore to Qatar’s new expectations. It is also essential to find solutions and markets that will maintain a strong industrial base, reinforcing an already long-standing relationship with the Qatari armed forces.
Considering the ongoing modernisation and localisation efforts, how might the relationship between Arquus, the Qatar Armed Forces, and the Internal Security Forces evolve in the coming years, especially in terms of technological innovation and strategic defence capabilities?
The strength of industrial cooperation with Qatar lies in the fact that we work alongside their forces. This makes it possible to better identify on which operations the vehicles are tested, what are their strengths and weaknesses in relation to the missions carried out. Regular discussions enable us to identify the need for innovations and fleets modernisation. Arquus can then propose its most appropriate innovations to upgrade equipment. One of Arquus’ major assets for more than 10 years has been its system expertise, capable of developing, qualifying and marketing complete mission systems including mobility, communication, fire, observation, threat detection and tactical situation. In the coming years, Arquus aims to maintain the strong relationship it has built up over the years with the Qatar Armed Forces by offering armoured vehicles and Remote Weapon Station solutions.