Renault and Thales present 4 Troop military prototype based on the Rafale crossover
At the Eurosatory 2026 exhibition in Paris, Renault Group, together with French defense contractor Thales, presented an unusual military prototype named 4 Troop. This off-road vehicle, built on the base of the flagship Renault Rafale crossover, combines a civilian platform with advanced military technologies.
Despite its name, the 4 Troop has nothing to do with the electric Renault 4. Instead, it is based on the significantly larger Rafale. The prototype was created under the “Civilian Multi-Purpose Vehicle” (VCMR) program, which offers a cheaper alternative to specialized military trucks that often burden defense budgets.
From a distance, the vehicle looks like a regular Rafale, but the details reveal its true purpose: matte beige paint, protective covers on the headlights, aggressive tires, and a special roof rack filled with equipment. The main change is hidden under the body — Thales has installed its “Battle Digital Platform,” transforming the SUV into a true “mothership” for drones.
Technological equipment and capabilities
The 4 Troop is capable of deploying and coordinating the operation of several unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) and unmanned ground vehicles (UGVs). The vehicle is equipped with advanced sensors, secure tactical communications, powerful computing systems, and AI-based decision support systems.
Hybrid powertrain
Renault calls the 4 Troop “an all-wheel drive vehicle with a hybrid transmission that combines stealthy operation with long range.” It is equipped with a Vehicle-to-Load (V2L) function to power electrical equipment. The base is the Rafale E-Tech 4×4 version with a plug-in hybrid setup producing 300 hp (221 kW / 305 PS), a 22 kWh battery, and an all-electric range of up to 100 km (62 miles). The Rafale, in turn, shares the CMF-CD platform with the Austral and Espace crossovers.
Prospects for series production
At Eurosatory 2026, the 4 Troop was presented as a prototype, however Renault states that “series production of vehicles for rapid deployment at optimal cost is possible.” Thales equipment already meets the operational standards and communication requirements set by the armed forces.
Renault’s main idea is that using a civilian platform significantly reduces the logistical and service burden on the army, since the fleet can be integrated into existing maintenance and after-sales service networks. Recently, Ford proposed a similar concept, presenting its F-Series and Ranger platforms for modern defense needs.
Renault Rafale
This prototype demonstrates a new trend in the defense industry: instead of creating expensive specialized machines, manufacturers are increasingly adapting mass-produced civilian models. This approach not only saves money but also allows for faster implementation of new technologies. The use of a hybrid powertrain and the ability to control drones makes the 4 Troop a versatile tool for the modern battlefield, where mobility, stealth, and information superiority become key factors. If Renault and Thales can set up series production, this vehicle could become an example for other countries seeking effective and relatively inexpensive solutions for their armed forces.