French Army Chief Forecasts End of Drone Dominance, Calls for Enhanced Defenses

Paris: French Army Chief of Staff Gen. Pierre Schill delivered a stark assessment at the Eurosatory defence show in Paris, predicting the fleeting supremacy of small aerial drones on modern battlefields, exemplified notably in Ukraine. Speaking to reporters during a tour of the French Army stand, Schill emphasized the vulnerability of current anti-drone systems and the imperative for advancing countermeasures.  

"Today, small, rudimentary drones enjoy a momentary advantage over battlefields, exploiting gaps in our defences," Schill stated. He highlighted that electronic warfare tactics have already claimed a significant toll, with 75% of drones in Ukraine succumbing to such measures.  

Schill underscored the evolving landscape, noting, "The current era of drone impunity is temporary. We must adapt and enhance our defensive capabilities. The shield will soon outgrow the sword."  

Evolution of Anti-Drone Technology at Eurosatory 2024  

At this year's Eurosatory, a showcase for defence innovation, numerous anti-drone systems took centre stage. Offerings ranged from traditional shotguns and cannons to advanced missile technologies. Companies like Safran, Thales, and Hensoldt unveiled sophisticated "soft-kill" solutions aimed at neutralizing drones through electronic means.

Schill revealed plans within France's Scorpion combat program to integrate comprehensive anti-drone capabilities into all vehicles within two years. These enhancements will integrate detection systems with versatile turrets capable of launching missiles or airburst grenades.  

Schill illustrated the rapid transformation of battlefield tactics in Ukraine, where first-person view drones now wield significant destructive capability, responsible for approximately 80% of frontline engagements. He pointed out that this dominance is unlikely to persist beyond the next decade, suggesting the ongoing evolution of both offensive and defensive technologies.  

"The Bayraktar drone, once dominant in Ukrainian skies, now faces significant countermeasures," Schill noted. He reaffirmed the French Army's strategic commitment to manoeuvring forces built around medium armour, emphasizing speed and mobility as critical advantages.  

Scorpion Program and Future Prospects  

Under the Scorpion program, the French Army is procuring around 120 Griffon and 120 Serval vehicles annually, complemented by over 20 Jaguars. These platforms boast advanced information systems, with the Griffon housing more lines of code than a Rafale fighter jet.

Schill praised the Scorpion initiative as "extremely ambitious" and affirmed its successful implementation. He highlighted ongoing efforts to integrate legacy vehicles like the Leclerc main battle tank into the collaborative combat system, enabling seamless target engagement across multiple platforms.  

Looking ahead, Schill acknowledged the unforeseen rapid advancements in microprocessor technology, enabling real-time data analysis within vehicles. Coupled with artificial intelligence, these capabilities promise enhanced threat detection capabilities, particularly against drones.  

"Scorpion reflects our commitment to future-proofing our armed forces," Schill concluded. "We are prepared to meet emerging challenges with innovative solutions."  

This comprehensive update from Eurosatory 2024 underscores France's proactive stance in adapting to evolving battlefield dynamics and reinforcing its military capabilities against emerging threats like drones.