Developed by Arquus in 2014 with private funding, the Sherpa Assault Ladder is a vehicle designed to provide unprecedented capabilities to police and security forces in the fight against organized crime and terrorism.
This iconic vehicle is now used by prestigious elite units such as the GIGN, the Brazilian Federal Police, and the Indian forces.
Which police vehicle to tackle new threats?
Urban areas have become complex operational theaters where speed and precision are essential. Asymmetric threats have significantly reshaped intervention strategies, requiring security forces to demonstrate exceptional adaptability and mobility.
Hostage situations and high-risk terrorist incidents now demand vehicles capable of vertical progression and the rapid deployment of specialized teams. Equipment versatility is becoming a key criterion, as vehicles must adapt to increasingly diverse and unpredictable scenarios.
Technical Specifications of the SHERPA Assault Ladder
- Hydraulic ladder extendable up to 8.5 meters
- Carrying capacity: up to 10 equipped personnel
- Aero-transportable (B747, A380)
- Advanced protection system for intervention personnel
The Sherpa Assault Ladder stands out radically from traditional tactical vehicles with its unique vertical progression capability and lightweight design. Unlike heavy armored vehicles, it offers unparalleled mobility and operational flexibility. Its cost-effectiveness and modularity make it a strategically attractive asset for the most demanding intervention units.
Remarkable Interventions
The Sherpa Assault Ladder gained particular attention during the final intervention against the Kouachi brothers in Dammartin-en-Goële after the Charlie Hebdo attack in January 2015. Used in France by the GIGN for its most complex operations, this domestic security vehicle has become a benchmark over the years.
Innovations and Versatility of the GIGN Vehicle
The Sherpa Assault Ladder illustrates the evolution of security vehicles, blurring the traditional boundaries between military and police equipment. Its design protects personnel from increasingly diverse threats while offering new tactical possibilities.