# Moroccan special forces gets 36 Arquus Sherpa tactical vehicle

- Link: https://www.military.africa/2020/06/moroccan-special-forces-gets-36-arquus-sherpa-tactical-vehicle/
- Published: 2020-06-30T22:04:58+01:00
- Author: Darek Liam

Morocco has acquired Arquus (formerly Renault Trucks Defence) Sherpa light scout
armoured vehicles for use by its special forces. The agreement signed between Morocco
and France involves the delivery of 36 Sherpa light 4×4 tactical vehicles in two
variants including Light Scout and Light APC (Armored Personnel Carrier).

Regarding the limited number of vehicles ordered in two different variants, **_Military
Africa_** understands that this is to support and accompany the artillery systems
on truck Caesar ordered from Nexter. Also, other strategic units of the Royal Moroccan
Army such as the Artillery and mechanized infantry already operate more than 2 000
Humvee americans, heavily armed (missiles, Tow, Milan, HJ8, Konkurs, machine guns,
12.7), designed by AM General and Vamtac manufacturer’s Spanish Urovesa in the configuration
ambulances.

Recently, Morocco [ordered a number of French Military equipment](https://www.military.africa/2020/06/moroccan-special-forces-gets-36-arquus-sherpa-tactical-vehicle/military.africa/2020/05/morocco-signs-210-6-million-loans-for-vl-mica-ground-based-air-defence-system),
including air defence systems from MBDA (possibly VL MICA systems) and 40 Ceasar
155 mm self-propelled artillery systems from Nexter. Likewise, in January, France
[delivered three Harfang (Heron) unmanned aerial vehicles.](https://www.military.africa/2020/06/moroccan-special-forces-gets-36-arquus-sherpa-tactical-vehicle/military.africa/2020/02/morocco-receives-iai-heron-uav-in-48-million-deal)
Years ago, Morocco signed an agreement for two Military grade satellites, Ariana
space has successfully [launched](https://www.military.africa/2020/06/moroccan-special-forces-gets-36-arquus-sherpa-tactical-vehicle/military.africa/2018/12/arianespace-launch-moroccos-second-earth-observation-satellite-mohammed-vi-b)
one of them.

 military.africa/2020/02/morocco-receives-iai-heron-uav-in-48-million-deal?v=65d8f7baa677

The Sherpa armoured vehicle is currently comprised of four basic models : the Sherpa
Scout, a reconnaissance vehicle armored with capacity for four to five soldiers,
the Carrier, (with a rear flat bed) which is specially equipped for the transport
of troops and / or communication systems, the APC and the Sherpa Special Forces,
for missions of infiltration.

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The Sherpa has a gross vehicle mass of 11 tons with a 3.3 ton payload. It can be
transported by C-130 and A400M aircraft. With engines up to 265 hp, it has a maximum
road speed of 110 km/h and range of 1 000 km. The vehicle can be fitted with a manual
turret or remotely operated weapon station armed with a machine gun up to 12.7 mm.

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The Sherpa APC version can carry up to ten people including driver and commander
and is available with two or four side doors. Various armour options are available
for landmine and ballistic protection.

The Scout variant (former Sherpa 2), available in unarmored or armored variants,
is ideally suited for tactical missions such as scouting, patrol, convoy escort,
and command and liaison.

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The Sherpa Light Scout can carry up to 5 military personnel including driver and
commander. The vehicle can be fitted with a manual turret or remotely operated weapon
station armed with a machine gun up to 12.7 mm. It can be easily transported by 
military aircraft as A400m or C-130. The vehicle is already in service by NATO members,
France, and other countries.

So far, more than 1 000 Sherpas have been built, the vehicle has seen service with
NATO (the International Security Assistance Forces have used the vehicle in Afghanistan)
and countries such as Chile, Kuwait, Lebanon and Indonesia. An Assault Ladder version
has been acquired by India, Brazil and France for police/security missions.

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