7,000 trucks for the French

DAIMLER TRUCK and ARQUUS, a company of the John Cockerill Group, have received a major contract “PL6T” from the French Ministry of Defense. It includes the qualification and delivery of 7,000 military trucks for the French Army. The term “PL6T” (Porteurs Logistiques 6 Tonnes) refers to the vehicle class designed for a payload of six tons.

The procurement program aims to enhance the logistical capabilities and operational readiness of the French armed forces. The context is the accelerated modernization in response to increasing demands. The vehicles will be produced and delivered over a period of more than 10 years. 

Vehicle technology tailored to the requirements of the French Army

The new “Zetros by Arquus” was first presented by the two companies in October 2025 at the “Forum Entreprises Défense” in Versailles Satory. The truck combines the proven vehicle platform Mercedes-Benz Zetros with the integration, militarization, and service support from Arquus. The vehicle is designed for use in challenging areas and is intended to contribute to improving the safety and mobility of the French armed forces.

The “Zetros by Arquus” is a versatile tactical truck designed for military operations. The Zetros chassis produced by Daimler Truck has been developed for both on-road and off-road use and is characterized by robustness, durability, and ease of maintenance. All vehicles ordered by France are based on a Zetros chassis with three axles. This uniformity is intended to enable quick training of soldiers on operation as well as simplified maintenance.

All vehicles are equipped with the Mercedes-Benz OM 460 engine with Euro-3 certification, which operates reliably even when fueled with lower quality fuels in the operational area. Additionally, all models feature a fully automatic transmission with torque converter.

The vehicles are cabover trucks, with the driver's cabin positioned behind the front axle. The French armed forces have been using this vehicle concept for decades. The “Zetros by Arquus” offers several advantages regarding tactical and strategic mobility due to its low height: the operational capability in forest areas and residential neighborhoods with tunnels and bridges is increased, and transport of the vehicles by aircraft or rail is facilitated. This design is also particularly suitable for the installation of an armored cabin, as its heavy weight is distributed over the front and rear axles. Even with an armored cabin, the “Zetros by Arquus” maintains a high payload of six tons.

Multiple vehicle variants will be delivered, including troop transporters, transport vehicles, vehicles with shelter structures, variants with crane equipment, and trucks with winches. All configurations offer extensive customization options and can be specifically tailored to meet logistical requirements.

Based on its many years of experience, Arquus is responsible for comprehensive support and maintenance of the vehicles throughout their entire lifecycle. Daimler Truck provides spare parts and contributes its expertise to the Zetros vehicle platform.