On Thursday, January 15, 2026, the French company Arquus (part of John Cockerill) and Germany’s Daimler Truck announced that they had been awarded a contract by the Direction générale de l’Armement (DGA) of the Ministry of the Armed Forces to deliver 7,000 next-generation military trucks in the 6-ton payload class from the Zetros by Arquus product line for the Armée de terre under the PL6T (Porteurs Logistiques 6 Tonnes) program.
Photos: Daimler Truck
This important program aims to renew the logistical and operational capabilities of French forces in the context of accelerated modernization and growing requirements associated with high-intensity operations. The vehicles will be produced and delivered over a period exceeding 10 years.
Thierry Renaudin, CEO of John Cockerill Defense and President of Arquus:
“We are proud to receive the renewed trust of the Ministry of the Armed Forces, especially as the PL6T program is of major importance to the French Armed Forces. This industrial alliance with Daimler Truck enables us to fully meet the requirements of this program. We are delighted to be providing the armed forces with a new vehicle that meets the highest global standards and is designed for the most demanding environments.”
Emmanuel Levacher, CEO of Arquus:
“Together with Daimler Truck, we are providing the French Army with a robust, modern, and sustainable solution that meets the long-term operational needs of the forces. This large-scale renewal is a critical lever in supporting the transformation program ‘Toward a Combat-Ready Army’.”
Daniel Zittel, Head of Defence Sales at Daimler Truck:
“This program is far more than a contract; it is a strong example of what European cooperation can achieve. Together with Arquus, we demonstrate that French and German industry can work hand in hand to deliver modern, reliable solutions for those who protect our security. This partnership is built on trust and shared commitment, setting a clear benchmark for future collaboration in the defence sector. This reflects Daimler Truck’s Defence Strategy: creating future-proof solutions through strong partnerships and uncompromising reliability, while accelerating our growth in the European defence industry.”
Ulrich Loebich, CEO of Daimler Truck France:
“With this contract, Daimler Truck is expanding its already strong presence in France — currently around 5,500 direct and indirect employees — through an important industrial partnership in the defence sector. We are ready to support the fulfilment of this demanding contract alongside a strong French partner with our local organisation in France. Our sites in Wörth am Rhein, Germany, and Molsheim, France, ensure fast and reliable series production as well as short distances to Arquus’ sites and to the customer.”
A Technology Package Meeting French Army Requirements
The selected vehicle type, the new Zetros by Arquus, was first unveiled by both companies in October 2025 at the Forum Entreprises Défense in Versailles Satory. It combines the proven Daimler Truck vehicle platform, the Mercedes-Benz Zetros, with integration, adaptation to military requirements, and in-service support provided by Arquus. Zetros by Arquus will provide the French Army with enhanced mobility and protection, including reliable performance in off-road environments.
Zetros by Arquus is a versatile tactical truck designed for military operations. The Zetros chassis manufactured by Daimler Truck was developed for use both on roads and off-road and is characterized by robustness, durability, and ease of maintenance. All vehicles ordered are based on the same three-axle chassis configuration, enabling rapid user training as well as simplified operation and maintenance. All vehicles are powered by the Mercedes-Benz OM 460 engine, certified to Euro 3 standards, proven to be fully operational even when using lower-quality fuels, and are equipped with a fully automatic transmission with a torque converter.
The vehicles are standard trucks with the cab positioned behind the front axle, in line with the logistics vehicle concept used by the French Army for decades. Zetros by Arquus offers several advantages in terms of tactical and strategic mobility. Its low vehicle height improves operational capability, for example in forests, tunnels, and urban areas, and facilitates air and rail transport. The vehicle concept is also well suited for the installation of an armored cab, as its center of gravity is positioned slightly behind the single front axle and is therefore better distributed between the front and rear axles. This design allows the vehicle to retain a high payload capacity of 6 tons.
A wide range of vehicle variants will be delivered, including troop transport trucks, logistics vehicles, vehicles with armored cabs, and variants equipped with cranes and winches. All configurations offer extensive customization options tailored to logistical needs and mission-specific requirements.
Comprehensive life-cycle support and fleet-wide maintenance will be provided by Arquus, drawing on the company’s operational experience. Daimler Truck will support Arquus by supplying spare parts and providing know-how related to the core vehicle platform.
Industrial Engagement in France
The base chassis are manufactured at Daimler Truck facilities in Wörth am Rhein (Germany) and Molsheim (France). In addition to Arquus’s existing network, Daimler Truck France also operates a comprehensive nationwide network of more than 150 sales and service points across France, ensuring long-term support for the delivered vehicles whenever required. Thanks to its global footprint, Daimler Truck is also able to provide reliable support beyond Europe.
Adaptation to military requirements, systems integration, armored cabs, customer acceptance, as well as in-service support and maintenance will be carried out at Arquus facilities in Limoges, Garchizy, and Saint-Nazaire. These activities will directly contribute to employment and the preservation of national industrial know-how. Arquus employs 2,000 people in France on a daily basis.
A successful partnership: John Cockerill Defense & Daimler Truck selected to supply 7,000 trucks to the French Army.
Press release: https://t.co/gQxYXrcGcp#DaimlerTruck #JohnCockerillDefense pic.twitter.com/SFl8XeZFAR
— Daimler Truck (@DaimlerTruck) January 15, 2026