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At the first edition of the Brussels Defence Exhibition (BEDEX), French defence manufacturer Arquus presented a range of advanced technologies highlighting its growing capabilities in robotics, autonomous ground systems and military mobility solutions. The company’s participation also reflected its integration within the John Cockerill Group, underlining industrial cooperation within Europe’s defence sector.

One of the main technologies showcased at the exhibition was the DRAILER robotic platform, an unmanned ground vehicle (UGV) designed to support troops during land operations and increase the operational autonomy of deployed units.

The DRAILER system represents a new generation of logistics and mission-support robotic vehicles intended to operate alongside dismounted soldiers. Built around a four-wheel drive and four-wheel steering architecture, the platform is designed to manoeuvre effectively in complex terrain environments, including urban areas, forests and rough off-road conditions.

Equipped with onboard sensors and a GPS-based navigation system, DRAILER is capable of autonomously following troops while maintaining a safe distance, allowing soldiers to move without being burdened by heavy equipment. This capability is particularly important for modern infantry units operating in dispersed formations where mobility and endurance are critical.

A key feature of the system is its highly modular architecture, which allows it to adapt to different mission profiles. The platform can transport payloads of up to 750 kilograms, enabling the integration of various operational modules depending on the needs of the mission.

Among the equipment that can be integrated into the platform are:

• Intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance (ISR) systems
• Electronic warfare modules
• Demining and route-clearance equipment
• Investigation and reconnaissance tools
• Remotely operated weapon systems or long-range missile launchers

The system can also be equipped with a remote weapon station from the Hornet family, illustrating the technological integration within the John Cockerill Group’s defence portfolio.

In terms of endurance, DRAILER offers multiple energy replenishment options. These include energy-generating towing systems as well as an onboard diesel engine, allowing the platform to reach an operational range of up to 200 kilometres while maintaining a relatively low acoustic and thermal signature.

Beyond robotics, Arquus also used its presence at BEDEX to highlight its contribution to the SCORPION Programme, a major initiative aimed at transforming the French Army’s land combat capabilities through network-centric warfare, improved mobility and enhanced protection.

Within the programme, Arquus plays a key industrial role by supplying the complete driveline systems for two of the French Army’s new generation armoured vehicles: the VBMR Griffon and the EBRC Jaguar.

These driveline systems include critical mobility components such as:

• Engine systems
• Transmission units
• Running gear elements

Together, these components ensure the vehicles maintain high mobility and off-road performance, essential for modern expeditionary operations.

The Hornet family of remotely operated weapon stations also forms an integral part of the SCORPION ecosystem. These systems serve as the primary armament on the Griffon vehicle and secondary armament on the Jaguar, providing increased crew protection while allowing operators to engage targets without exposing themselves to hostile fire.

In addition to manufacturing key subsystems, Arquus also contributes to long-term logistical support and sustainment for SCORPION vehicles. This support is notably managed through the company’s industrial platform located in Garchizy, France, which is dedicated to maintenance, support and lifecycle management activities associated with the programme.

Arquus’ participation at BEDEX reflects the broader trend of increased European cooperation in defence technology and industrial capabilities, particularly in areas such as autonomous systems, robotics and advanced land combat platforms.

By combining robotic innovations like DRAILER with its established expertise in military vehicle mobility systems, the company aims to strengthen its position within the evolving European defence ecosystem while supporting the modernisation requirements of allied armed forces.