The Evolution of Loitering Munitions in France

 

The war in Ukraine has shone a spotlight on the tactical significance of loitering munitions, commonly known as kamikaze drones. These drones, designed to carry explosive charges and self-destruct upon hitting their targets, have become crucial tools in modern warfare. France, traditionally cautious about adopting such technologies, has made significant strides recently to develop its own capabilities in this area.

Historical Hesitance and Recent Developments

France’s journey into drone technology has been cautious but progressive. Until 2017, French military drone initiatives were modest, relying heavily on foreign technologies like the Israeli Skylark 1 and the American MQ-9 Reaper. The launch of domestic programs such as the DRAC and the Spy’Ranger signified France’s commitment to developing its own drone capabilities. Despite these advancements, France recognized a significant deficiency in the area of loitering munitions — drones that can hover, scout for targets, and execute precision strikes. To address this, France has been part of a European program to research the development of the Euro MALE RPAS since 2013, aiming to bridge the gap in this critical area of modern warfare.

The Catalyst: Conflict in Ukraine

The conflict in Ukraine has underscored the strategic value of loitering munitions. These drones have proven crucial in both attack and defense roles, showcasing their potential to alter the dynamics of military engagements while minimizing the risk to personnel. The war has served as a catalyst for France, prompting an acceleration in the development of similar technologies. Observations from the conflict have led to a greater understanding of the operational benefits of loitering munitions, such as their autonomous capabilities and tactical versatility. France has taken note of these lessons, investing in next-generation technologies, including artificial intelligence systems and directed-energy weapons, to enhance its military capabilities. This includes a focus on the Future Combat Air System (FCAS), which encompasses a sixth-generation fighter jet and accompanying “loyal wingman” drones, reflecting France’s strategic shift towards advanced, interconnected warfare platforms.

New Programs: Colibri and Larinae

In May 2022, France launched two ambitious projects under its defense innovation initiative: Colibri and Larinae. These projects aim to produce loitering munitions capable of targeting armored vehicles at different ranges — 5 kilometers for Colibri and up to 50 kilometers for Larinae. The selection process for developers concluded with the appointment of two consortia: MBDA/NOVADEM and Nexter/KNDS.

Colibri Project: Managed by a consortium including MBDA and NOVADEM, the Colibri project has taken a significant leap forward. It focuses on creating a rotary-wing drone suitable for urban environments. The Colibri drones are expected to be compact and highly maneuverable, providing a crucial tactical edge in close-quarter battles and urban warfare. In April 2023, the consortium defined a “Minimum Viable Product” approach for the Colibri project, oriented towards user needs with the Sphynx concept. This concept integrates rotary-wing drone technologies into a weapon system, ensuring maneuverability and ease of use by infantry in various environments. The first demonstrations are planned for the end of 2023 to assess the technical and operational capabilities of these drones.

Larinae Project: Managed by Nexter in collaboration with EOS Technologie and TRAAK, the Larinae project aims to develop medium-range, remotely operated munitions. These drones are designed to neutralize armored targets up to 50 kilometers away and are equipped with advanced navigation systems that function without GPS, making them resilient to electronic warfare tactics. MBDA has confirmed its position in the field of loitering munitions with the selection of its Mutant concept for the Larinae project. This concept is expected to enhance the capabilities of the French armed forces with beyond-line-of-sight strike capabilities, fitting naturally into MBDA’s portfolio of battlefield effectors.

Technological Innovations and Demonstrations

Both projects are set to showcase initial demonstrators by the end of 2024. These prototypes will integrate several cutting-edge technologies, including the ability to evade active protection systems (APS) on enemy vehicles and conduct long-term surveillance missions with optronic payloads. The Mutant drone, part of the MBDA’s offering for the Larinae project, is particularly noteworthy for its deployable wings and swarm capabilities, which enhance its operational versatility and effectiveness. Additionally, EOS Technologie’s Veloce 330 loitering munition has demonstrated a breakthrough speed of up to 400 km/h in tests, reflecting the rapid progress within the LARINAE programme. This initiative is part of a collaborative effort between the Agence de l’Innovation de Défense (AID) and the Direction générale de l’armement (DGA), aimed at enhancing France’s medium-range defense arsenal.

Strategic Implications

The development of loitering munitions by France marks a significant shift in its defense strategy, aligning it with other global military powers that have already recognized the value of these systems. The emphasis on indigenous technology ensures that France can maintain strategic autonomy while bolstering its defense capabilities. The recent tests of the Veloce 330, achieving remarkable speeds and efficiency, underscore France’s commitment to leading innovations in military technology. In conclusion, the advancements in France’s loitering munition programs reflect a broader trend of modernization within the French military. As these projects progress, they are likely to play a pivotal role in enhancing France’s tactical and strategic operations, making it a formidable player in the arena of unmanned warfare.