France is developing a robotic combat unit capable of performing part of the missions traditionally assigned to an infantry company or cavalry squadron, according to a report by Le Point.
The Pendragon project, launched in 2025, is being carried out by the Artificial Intelligence in Defense (AMIAD), the Future Combat Command (CCF), and representatives of the defense industry.
Developers plan to unveil an experimental robotic unit (URC) in the summer of 2027. The formation is expected to include around 10 ground-based robotic platforms and approximately 60 drones.
“Instead of putting 120 to 130 soldiers at risk, we will deploy robots and drones remotely operated by about 15 troops,” said Lieutenant Colonel Christophe, who is responsible for the project’s tactical component.
Testing is currently taking place at the Saint-Cyr Coëtquidan Military Camp training ground in the French department of Morbihan. During the third phase of trials, specialists are evaluating cooperation between ground robots and drones, as well as the use of artificial intelligence to manage groups of autonomous platforms.
A key element of the project will be the Pendragon C2 command-and-control system, designed to coordinate robotic assets based on objectives assigned by a commander. Most of the platforms are equipped with internal combustion engines, allowing them to be returned to service more quickly. In the future, they may carry machine guns and containers with remotely controlled munitions.
The system will include both reconnaissance and strike drones, although the decision to use weapons will remain under human control.
Following the demonstration of the prototype unit, developers plan to create an operational doctrine for its deployment and conduct additional testing. The cost of a single robotic combat unit is estimated at approximately €10 million.
By Jeyhun Aghazada
Source: caliber.az
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