Forget the Clio and the Twingo, Renault's lineup is about to get a lot more intimidating. The company best known for building everyday hatchbacks, crossovers, and electric city cars has teamed up with a Belgian defense specialist to develop an unmanned military off-roader. The Forefront concept is designed to venture into dangerous territory without putting a human driver behind the wheel.

Rather than developing a conventional vehicle, Renault and John Cockerill have created a remotely operated platform that can perform a variety of missions in dangerous or difficult-to-reach locations. A pair of electric motors provides power for four-wheel drive, while rear-wheel steering makes the Forefront more agile in confined spaces.

The concept is expected to cover around 249 miles (400 kilometers) on a single charge, but it can go the extra mile with a range-extender combustion engine. Renault says the Forefront can carry up to 1,000 kilograms (2,205 pounds). Because it's electric, its silent propulsion should prove particularly useful during military operations where minimizing noise can make a difference.

Although the Forefront concept has clear military applications, its potential uses extend beyond the battlefield. The companies envision the platform supporting logistics operations, intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance, anti-drone missions, fire support, and evacuation efforts.

Civilian applications include disaster response, civil protection, logistics, and work in hazardous environments where sending human operators would be risky. Think of fires, dangerous industrial sites, or areas emergency crews cannot easily access.

The vehicle is remotely operated, but it can also perform tasks autonomously, as the platform supports autonomous driving technology.

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