Sherpa Light

Renault Trucks Defense

Industry	Defense manufacturing
Founded	2007
Headquarters	France , France
Products	Sherpa Light series (4x4 tactical and armored vehicles)
Parent	Arquus (since May 2018)

The Sherpa Light series comprises 4x4 tactical and lightly armored vehicles developed by the French manufacturer Renault Trucks Defense (RTD). Available in both unarmored and armored configurations—including ballistic, mine, and improvised explosive device (IED) protection kits—the Sherpa Light is engineered for various tactical missions such as reconnaissance, patrol duties, convoy protection, as well as command and liaison operations. It accommodates a crew of four to five personnel or can carry a payload reaching up to four tonnes.

In the markets of North America and Oceania, the Sherpa lineup is distributed through Mack Defense.

History

The Sherpa 2/3 was first introduced at the Eurosatory exhibition in Paris in 2006, with manufacturing commencing the following year in 2007. By 2010, the Sherpa 2 and Sherpa 3 models were consolidated under the Sherpa Light designation. The vehicle made its Asian debut at BRIDEX 2011 in Brunei, where it was presented alongside the VAB Mk II.

In October 2011, Indonesian company Pindad launched the Elang, a locally produced variant based on the Sherpa platform. Mack Defense showcased the Sherpa Light Scout at AUSA 2014 in Washington DC and later promoted a Special Forces version at SOFIC 2017.

In Brazil’s VBMT-LR competition during 2014, Avibras submitted the TUPI—built on the Sherpa Light Scout chassis—to meet the Brazilian Army’s requirement for a new light armored vehicle. Nevertheless, in 2016, the contract for 1,464 units was awarded to the Iveco LMV.

Mack Sherpas were also evaluated by Ukraine’s National Guard in 2015. Meanwhile, French Special Operations Command requirements spurred development of the Poids Lourd Forces Spéciales (PLFS), which debuted at Eurosatory 2016 and received certification by January 2017.

Following Renault Trucks Defense’s rebranding as Arquus in May 2018, research and development efforts on the Sherpa platform continued, culminating in the unveiling of the Sabre light tactical vehicle at SOFINS 2019. Field trials included integration with MMP missile systems under French government supervision.

By May 2020, Arquus celebrated production of its thousandth Sherpa Light. At EDEX 2021, Arquus collaborated with Egypt’s Ministry of Defence to provide chassis for a new vehicle derived from the Sherpa design. In September 2021, Arquus offered Romania licensed production rights for the Sherpa Light as part of strengthened Franco-Romanian defense cooperation.

At SOFINS 2023, feedback from French special forces highlighted issues related to road handling and stability with their Sabre vehicles; Arquus subsequently undertook retrofitting across all units. Additionally, a Sherpa APC utilized by France’s BRI police force was exhibited at MILIPOL 2023.

French Variants

The variants listed below are manufactured by Renault Trucks Defense and later by Arquus.

Pre-2010

• Sherpa 2: Entry-level model featuring four seats, a cargo volume of 2.5 cubic meters, and a payload capacity of two tons.
• Sherpa 3: Two-seat configuration without an armored cabin, capable of carrying up to 3.5 tons.
• Sherpa 3A: Armored cabin version of the Sherpa 3.
• Sherpa 3 Grand Volume: Extended wheelbase variant accommodating up to ten occupants.
• Sherpa 3 Special Forces: Lightweight attack vehicle tailored for special forces missions.
• Sherpa 3 High Intensity: Reconnaissance-oriented special forces model.

Post-2010

• APC: Armored personnel carrier with three doors, accommodating up to ten occupants and offering various weapon mounting configurations.
• Assault Ladder: Counter-terrorism model equipped with a modular hydraulic ramp and ladders extending to 8.5 meters.
• Scout: Reconnaissance and command vehicle featuring four doors and seating for five, fitted with ballistic glass; marketed by MACK Defense under the name Sherpa Scout.
• Special Forces: Lightweight attack vehicle capable of carrying up to four personnel including a gunner, equipped with weapon mounts and optional armor kits; distributed as the Sherpa Special Forces by MACK Defense.
  • Poids Lourd Forces Spéciales (PLFS) or Special Forces Heavy Weight: Tailored to meet French special forces specifications, available in both combat and logistics variants; includes a more powerful 265 hp engine, seating for five, dual radios, and a self-recovery winch.
  • Sabre: Enhanced PLFS version revealed at SOFINS 2019, designed to support upgraded C4ISR systems.
• Station Wagon: Five-door Scout variant intended for reconnaissance, patrolling, surveillance, and internal security duties; accommodates five passengers.
• Weapon System Carrier: Flatbed design intended for mounting weapons; offered as the Sherpa Carrier through MACK Defense.
• Armored Ambulance
• Internal Security Vehicle

Foreign Variants

• Mack Sherpa: United States-branded model launched in 2014.
  • Mack Sherpa Hawkeye 105mm: Version outfitted with a Mandus Group 105mm howitzer mount.
• Avibras TUPI: Brazilian-produced variant introduced in 2014 for the Brazilian Army’s Light Wheeled Multi-Task Armored Vehicle program, available with remote-controlled weapon stations or machine guns.
• Pindad Elang: Indonesian adaptation developed jointly with Renault.
• Temsah Sherpa

Operators

• : Corrections Victoria Security and Emergency Services Group utilizes two locally produced Mack-branded vehicles for high-risk prisoner transfers, each procured under a contract valued at AUD 900,000.
• : Federal Police operate three Sherpa Light APCs purchased at BRL 5 million.
• : In 2024, Cyprus confirmed an acquisition of 12 Sherpas equipped with Akeron MP missile systems from Arquus.
• : Since 2014, Carabineros de Chile’s GOPES unit has deployed Sherpas.
• : The Egyptian Army and National Police operate a fleet of 191 Sherpa Scout and Light Station Wagon models delivered between 2012 and 2014; also developed the local Temsah Sherpa variant.
• : French GIGN units employ Sherpa APCs fitted with assault ladders; French special forces utilize PLFS vehicles built on the Sherpa 2 chassis, with a total of 202 units ordered since 2015.
• : National Security Guard and Central Industrial Security Force use Sherpas for counter-terrorism and security missions.
• : Indonesian military fields various Sherpa Light versions including 12 Light Scouts, six Armoured Light Scouts, and Weapon System Carrier models; limited production of the Pindad Elang variant supports mechanized infantry battalions.
• : Purchased 240 Sherpas for National Guard operations along with additional Sherpa Scouts under a €270 million contract.
• : Lebanese Armed Forces received Sherpa Lights as part of a US$3 billion aid package from Saudi Arabia.
• : Mexican Naval Infantry began acquiring Mack Sherpa Scouts in 2014; these vehicles are deployed across multiple regions and specialized units.
• : Arquus contracted in 2020 to supply 36 Sherpas configured as Light Scouts and APCs for special forces use.
• : Internal Security Forces procured several Sherpa Light APCs during the period from 2011 to 2013.
• : Integrated approximately 100 Sherpa Light vehicles by 2014 through a $3 billion military assistance program to Lebanon.

See also

• The Renault Sherpa is distinct from the Leyland Sherpa; for information on the latter, refer to LDV Pilot.