Deliveries of Pegase Light Vehicles Strengthen French Army Reconnaissance and Rapid Response.

On September 6, 2025, the 1st Parachute Hussar Regiment (1er Régiment de Hussards Parachutistes, 1er RHP) of the French Army announced through a video published on its official social media account that it had received its first Pegase light vehicles for special forces. The delivery“represents a new stage in the modernization of the 11th Parachute Brigade, a formation regularly deployed in crisis zones. Until recently, much of the attention was directed toward the larger Sherpa-derived Grizzly infiltration trucks, also built by Arquus. The Pegase, however, brings a lighter and more discreet capability. Despite its compact profile, it integrates modern systems and powerful weapon options, making it a key asset for reconnaissance and intelligence operations.
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The French Ministry of Armed Forces has ordered 206 Pegase vehicles, intended for both the 11e BP and units of the Special Operations Command (COS). (Picture source: Army Recognition)

The Pegase is classified as a light 4x4 vehicle for special operations, developed by Arquus as part of France’s modernization program. With a gross vehicle weight of 4.4 tons, it carries a payload capacity of one ton and can accommodate up to four operators. Its powerplant is a 200-horsepower engine coupled with an automatic transmission, which ensures good performance across rugged terrain. Arquus states that the vehicle can tackle gradients of up to 60 percent and side slopes of 35 percent, figures that underscore its capacity to operate in harsh environments.

Standard fittings extend well beyond a simple transport role. The Pegase comes with a dual-network alternator, a 24V-230V converter, and a 4.1-ton electric winch. Survivability in hostile climates is aided by a heat-reduction net and a ballistic protection kit. For added endurance in the field, it features centralized tire inflation and integrated communication systems, both critical for missions where resupply or support may be limited.

The French Ministry of Armed Forces has ordered 206 Pegase vehicles, intended for both the 11e BP and units of the Special Operations Command (COS). Deliveries began earlier in 2025, with special forces units receiving the first examples in April. The 1er RHP’s vehicles will be used by its 3rd squadron, specifically within the contact intelligence sub-group (SGRC).

What distinguishes the Pegase from older light reconnaissance vehicles is its flexibility in armament. The vehicle mounts a powered ring turret that can host a Dillon M134 rotary machine gun, a 40 mm automatic grenade launcher, or a standard 7.62 mm machine gun. In addition, it retains the option to mount a 12.7 mm heavy machine gun, ensuring that it can adapt to different mission profiles.

Arquus has also highlighted compatibility with advanced anti-armor systems. The Pegase can integrate missile kits such as the MMP or AT4CS, providing a credible threat even to armored targets. This makes it far more versatile than traditional light patrol vehicles, which were often limited to small-caliber weapons. By combining mobility and increased firepower, the Pegase answers a pressing need for light forces: being able to operate autonomously while retaining the means to neutralize hardened threats.

The platform is designed with multiple operational configurations. The Support version emphasizes transport and logistics, the Combat version maximizes firepower, while the CELMO version (Command and Liaison Mobile) is tailored for command tasks. This modular approach ensures that the same vehicle family can serve across different roles, simplifying logistics while expanding tactical options.

The Pegase does not replace the Véhicule Blindé Léger (VBL) or the new Grizzly infiltration trucks, but instead complements them. The VBL, still in widespread service, provides protection in mine- and ambush-heavy environments, while the Grizzly, with its 11-ton weight, 265 hp engine, and heavy weapons fit, offers long-range endurance and sustained combat presence.

The Pegase fills the lighter niche. Air-transportable and discreet, it allows rapid maneuver for reconnaissance, escort, and liaison missions. Its small crew and compact design make it easier to insert into contested areas, while its armament and survivability enhancements give operators confidence in combat. For airborne units like the 1er RHP, which often deploy far ahead of main forces, this balance between agility and firepower is crucial.

The 1er RHP is traditionally tasked with reconnaissance and screening missions. Its squadrons must often operate autonomously, sometimes in degraded communication environments, and always with the expectation of encountering superior numbers. The Pegase provides these units with a platform that meets those challenges. Its combination of payload, modular weapons, and off-road performance supports a style of combat where speed and initiative are decisive.

In real operational terms, the vehicle will likely be seen escorting convoys, covering dismounted patrols, and probing ahead of heavier formations. In the Sahel or during NATO exercises in Eastern Europe, it would give airborne troops an adaptable vehicle able to engage lightly armored vehicles, suppress ambushes, and withdraw rapidly if needed. Its communications suite also enhances coordination with air and artillery assets, reinforcing its role as a reconnaissance multiplier.

The arrival of the Pegase also reflects a broader strategic calculation. France remains committed to maintaining rapid intervention forces capable of acting far from home. The 11e BP has historically been the first responder in crises, from Africa to the Middle East. Vehicles like the Pegase are indispensable for this model, ensuring airborne units can operate in austere environments with speed, discretion, and resilience.

At the same time, European defense planning is adjusting to the consequences of Russia’s war in Ukraine. NATO is emphasizing high readiness and credible deterrence. For France, reinforcing light and flexible forces is part of this adaptation. The Pegase is not just a tactical improvement for a single regiment, but a signal of intent: Paris is investing in platforms that allow its forces to move quickly and fight effectively in both irregular and conventional contexts.

The first delivery of Pegase light vehicles to the 1er RHP underscores the French Army’s commitment to keeping its airborne forces agile and modern. With its 4.4-ton frame, advanced fittings, and modular armament ranging from heavy machine guns to anti-tank missiles, the Pegase brings a rare mix of mobility and firepower. For the soldiers of the 1er RHP, it offers more than a new vehicle: it provides a tool tailored to the realities of contemporary conflict, where versatility, speed, and the ability to survive in hostile environments are all equally important.

Written By Erwan Halna du Fretay - Defense Analyst, Army Recognition Group
Erwan Halna du Fretay is a graduate of a Master’s degree in International Relations and has experience in the study of conflicts and global arms transfers. His research interests lie in security and strategic studies, particularly the dynamics of the defense industry, the evolution of military technologies, and the strategic transformation of armed forces, with a strong focus on multilateral cooperation and geopolitics.