France’s land army is advancing its modernization through drone integration. A report details trials of dropping mini-drones from a Gazelle helicopter.
In 2026 the land army is expected to be equipped with more than 15,000 drones. This marks the start of a long modernization phase that includes robotic units and artificial intelligence.
A Gazelle helicopter flies over a course at 120 km/h. An operator wearing FPV goggles releases a mini-drone that alters its path using live video feed.
Officials note that the future of in-flight drone drops likely belongs to mother drones. The experiment may give the 4th air-combat brigade an additional tactical option.