Paris, — June 16, 2026 : Canadian armored vehicle manufacturer Roshel Inc. and Daimler Truck AG have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) at the Eurosatory 2026 defense exhibition to jointly develop, produce, market, and support a new family of protected military vehicles for NATO, allied, and partner nations.
The agreement brings together Roshel's experience in armored vehicle production and combat-proven protection systems with Daimler Truck Defence's industrial capabilities, engineering expertise, and global service network. The partnership is aimed at meeting growing international demand for protected mobility solutions while offering customers a broad range of military vehicle options.
The signing comes one day after Daimler Truck launched its consolidated defense business under the Daimler Truck Defence brand. The company recently announced a mid-three-digit million-euro investment to expand its defense engineering and manufacturing capacity and has set a target of generating €1 billion in defense revenue by 2028.
Combining Combat-Proven Experience with Industrial Scale
Roshel has become a significant supplier of protected vehicles since Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine began in February 2022. The Ontario-based company has delivered more than 2,500 armored vehicles to Ukrainian forces, demonstrating an ability to rapidly manufacture and deliver combat-ready platforms tailored to operational requirements.
The company has built its reputation on producing vehicles designed for modern battlefield conditions rather than relying solely on standard commercial specifications. This ability to quickly adapt and scale production was a key factor behind the partnership.
“In just a few years, Roshel has delivered more than 2,500 armoured vehicles to Ukraine, showing that speed, quality, and innovation matter in real-world conflict,” said Roman Shimonov, Chief Executive Officer of Roshel.
“By bringing together Roshel's proven protection systems, integrated manufacturing, and ability to deliver at scale with Daimler Truck's world-class platforms, engineering experience, and global reach, we are creating a stronger and more complete offering for allied customers,” he added.
Military Vehicle Platforms Included in the Agreement
As part of the partnership, Daimler Truck will provide several established military vehicle platforms that can be adapted for a range of defense missions. Production activities will be supported by the company's defense manufacturing facilities in Wörth am Rhein, Germany, and Molsheim, France.
The platforms include:
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Unimog : A highly capable off-road vehicle with a long history of military service. The platform is widely used for engineering tasks, medical evacuation missions, and light tactical operations.
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Zetros : A heavy-duty tactical truck designed for demanding environments and extreme off-road conditions. The platform was recently selected for France's 7,000-vehicle logistics modernization program under a separate long-term agreement with Arquus.
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Arocs 8x8 : A heavy-lift vehicle suited for armored logistics, transportation missions, and military support operations requiring high payload capacity.
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FGA Platform Family : A modular vehicle family that can serve as the foundation for mine-resistant ambush-protected (MRAP) vehicles, armored personnel carriers (APCs), mobile command centers, counter-drone platforms, and other specialized military configurations.
Roshel's Vertically Integrated Manufacturing Model
A key element of the cooperation is Roshel's vertically integrated production approach. Once vehicle chassis arrive at its facilities, the company carries out all major armored vehicle conversion processes internally.
This includes ballistic steel processing, armored plate fabrication, transparent armor production, armored capsule engineering, drivetrain integration, and the installation of mission-specific systems such as communications equipment, intelligence systems, and counter-drone technologies.
By managing these processes in-house, Roshel is able to maintain quality control, reduce dependence on external suppliers, and accelerate delivery timelines.
Local Production Options for Partner Nations
The MoU also includes provisions for localized production through Completely Knocked Down (CKD) and Semi-Knocked Down (SKD) assembly models.
Under this approach, purchasing countries can import vehicle kits and carry out final assembly within their own borders. The model enables governments to build domestic industrial capabilities, create manufacturing jobs, and strengthen long-term defense resilience while acquiring operationally proven armored vehicles.
The partnership will also cover joint development, industrialization, lifecycle support, sustainment, and localization activities throughout the vehicles' service life.
Industry Response
“Daimler Truck contributes proven vehicle platforms and industrial scale, while Roshel brings expertise in armoured vehicles, operational track record, and ability to deliver quickly,” said Daniel Zittel, Chief Sales Officer of Daimler Truck Defence.
“Together, we are offering allied governments a compelling and integrated solution.”
Strategic Significance
The agreement reflects a broader trend within the defense industry, where specialized armored vehicle manufacturers and large industrial companies are combining capabilities to meet rising demand for protected military mobility.
By pairing Roshel's combat-proven vehicle expertise with Daimler Truck Defence's global manufacturing and support infrastructure, the partnership aims to provide NATO and allied nations with a scalable solution for future protected vehicle requirements.
The agreement was signed during Eurosatory 2026, held from June 15 to June 19 at the Paris Nord Villepinte Exhibition Centre, one of the world's largest international defense and security exhibitions.
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