France has awarded Soframe a contract to supply Heavy Recovery Vehicles to the French Army, strengthening battlefield logistics and recovery capabilities.
The contract follows a competitive tender launched in spring 2025 to meet an increasing requirement for modern recovery platforms within frontline combat units. Once deployed, the vehicles will support damaged or immobilized equipment, enhancing operational resilience by enabling rapid recovery and return to service during high-tempo operations.
Under the framework agreement, Soframe will deliver an initial tranche of 20 vehicles, with five units scheduled for delivery by 2027. The deal also includes options for up to 80 additional platforms, allowing the French Army to expand the fleet in line with evolving operational demands.
According to Soframe, the vehicles are based on the 8×8 Protected Recovery Vehicle already in service with the Belgian Armed Forces, underscoring growing defense cooperation and interoperability between France and Belgium. The program also involves multiple European industrial partners, including Jigé International, FN Herstal, and Daimler Trucks, reflecting a multinational production approach.
Soframe’s Heavy Recovery Vehicle is expected to be approximately 10 meters long and may feature a protected chassis offering resistance against mines, ballistic threats, and improvised explosive devices. Powered by a 476-horsepower engine with automatic transmission, the vehicle is expected to reach speeds of up to 90 km/h and offer a range of around 800 km.
The platform will be operated by a three-person crew and equipped with both main and self-recovery winches with cable lengths ranging from 60 to 80 meters, as well as an underlift capacity of between 10 and 14 tons.
