One of Napoleon’s most famous military maxims is “An army marches on its stomach.” That may be true, but for more than a century, armies have relied on tactical trucks to support marches and maneuver. Weapon systems may win battles, but trucks get troops and equipment to battlefields. Modern war covers such wide areas that fighting without trucks is inconceivable. Transport aircraft and cargo helicopters have exponentially increased mobility, but ground vehicles remain the primary transport platforms in nearly all phases of military operations, and a surprising number of nations rely on homegrown vehicle designs. Truck sizes vary widely with their mission requirements, but the most numerous and recognizable types are relatively small trucks that handle utility assignments with multi-mission capabilities ranging from combat to hauling hauling ancillary equipment.
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The tactical trucks included in this article represent an eclectic selection of the many military vehicles currently in use. Readers will immediately recognize some, while others may be completely unfamiliar. Many are produced in large, well-developed nations as one would expect, but several others originate in surprising places. It is clear, however, that these truck designs reflect the unique characteristics of military forces, and the environments where they must operate, around the globe.
Australia: Hawkei
Australia: Hawkei
The Hawkei, named for a highly venomous Australian snake, is a 4×4 light protected mobility vehicle (PMV) for armored patrol, mobile command and special operations missions. The Australian Defence Force could procure up to 1,300 Hawkeis. They typically carry four to six troops, weapons including .50-caliber machine guns, 40mm grenade launchers and even small radar units, and weigh about 7 tons.
For more information, visit thalesgroup.com.
Austria: Pinzgauer 2
Austria: Pinzgauer 2
Although classified as a light utility vehicle, the BAE-designed Pinzgauer is an all-wheel-drive vehicle with a payload approaching 4 tons. Its configuration is similar to a commercial cab that accepts several different modules depending on mission requirements, making it a cargo hauler, weapons carrier, armored troop transport, ambulance or mobile communications shelter. The vehicle itself can be sling-loaded by a rotorcraft.
For more information, visit baesystems.com.
France: Renault Sherpa
France: Renault Sherpa
The Sherpa family of 4×4 military vehicles entered service in 2006. Powered by a Renault turbocharged diesel engine, Sherpa variants include an armored cab model with reduced total weight for air transport and capacity for remotely controlled weapons. An extended version of the Sherpa can carry 10 troops, and special operations versions can conduct high-risk reconnaissance and liaison missions.
For more information, visit renault-trucks-defense.eu.
Germany: VW/Rheinmetall Amarok M
Germany: VW/Rheinmetall Amarok M
The Amarok is derived from a commercial pickup, and it looks it, with clean lines and a Volkswagen grille. Developed independently in 2012, VW and Rheinmetall collaborated to produce a light utility truck for the German army and also for export. Available with a single or double cab, the Amarok handles patrol, special operations, command, communications or utility missions. It can carry 1.37 tons.
For more information, visit rheinmetall-defence.com.
India: Tata Xenon
India: Tata Xenon
Tata, India’s largest automaker, produces the Nano, the world’s cheapest car at $3,000. The 4×4 Xenon, another commercial derivative for military use, transports cargo and up to 12 troops on folding seats in the truck bed. It can carry weapon mounts and be configured for mobile command functions, ambulance and reconnaissance missions. Both single- and double-cab versions are available.
For more information, visit tatamotors.com.
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