Paris, France — French automaker Renault Group and Belgian defence company John Cockerill have unveiled the Forefront Concept, a modular, remotely operated unmanned ground vehicle (UGV) designed for military and civilian operations in hazardous and difficult-to-access environments. The platform was presented on November 3, 2026.
The electric vehicle features two electric motors, four-wheel drive and four-wheel steering, providing improved off-road mobility and manoeuvrability with quiet operation. It has a targeted range of approximately 400 kilometres, extendable through an optional range extender, and can carry a payload of up to one tonne. It can also negotiate gradients of up to 60 percent.
Renault and John Cockerill Combine Expertise
Renault Group developed the mobile platform, drawing on more than 15 years of experience in electric powertrains and battery technology. Around 70 percent of its components reportedly come from existing automotive technology. The company uses modular designs and proven components to reduce costs and support faster, large-scale production.
John Cockerill is responsible for teleoperation, autonomous systems, vehicle militarisation and mission-system integration. Its modular technology currently enables remote operation, with the longer-term objective of supporting full autonomy while meeting safety and security requirements.
Military and Civilian Applications
The Forefront Concept is designed for several military missions, including logistics, intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance (ISR), counter-drone operations, fire support and medical evacuation. Civilian applications include logistics, civil protection and operations in hazardous industrial environments where human presence could be dangerous.
Developed with input from the French armed forces, the vehicle will undergo military exercises and field trials in the coming weeks. The evaluations will provide feedback for further improvements and assess its operational capabilities.
Company Leadership and Project Background
John Cockerill CEO Jean-Luc Maurange said the platform combines mobility, autonomy and tactical communications to improve operational capabilities while reducing soldiers' exposure to danger. Renault Group CEO François Provost highlighted the company's industrial and technological expertise in developing unmanned ground vehicles for military and civilian use.
The partnership brings together Renault's automotive manufacturing experience and John Cockerill's defence expertise. John Cockerill acquired French military vehicle manufacturer Arquus, formerly Renault Trucks Defense, in 2024. Work on the Forefront project began in spring 2026, and a prototype was privately presented to military representatives at Eurosatory 2026 in June.
The upcoming trials will help refine the vehicle and assess its potential for future military and civilian applications.
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