Italian telescopic forklift manufacturer Merlo has completed delivery of 80 combat-modified machines to the French Army.
Details of the contract were scarce, but Forkliftaction.com News understands the Merlo Panoramic P40.9 KATF machines, sold through Merlo France Sarl, were supplied for "general handling and logistical duties".
A source said most of the machines would be used in mainland France, though some had been deployed to Kosovo, Guadeloupe and Fiji.
The 4-tonne capacity, 9-metre lift machines were supplied with modifications.
Some machines were reinforced for protection against small arms fire in frontline operations, while others had flame-proofing protection applied.
The military-adapted machines, which cruise at 40kph, use Merlo's standard hydrostatic transmission and 74.5kW turbo-charged Perkins diesel engines.
A Merlo spokesman said the company had faced "intense competition", but reliability, visibility and ease of operation were deciding factors in its favour.
Military contracts are nothing new for Merlo. Its telehandlers are also in service in the Australian and Swedish defence forces.