Arquus supports the DGA and French Army in developing a new counter-drone capability
November 25, 2025 – The increasing use of drones on operational theaters is creating a growing need for fast, agile, and effective responses. In this context, the HORNET Air Guard initiative, based on the T1 turret already in service on the French Army’s GRIFFON and SERVAL vehicles, represents a concrete step forward.
Mentioned by the Chief of Staff of the French Army during his back-to-work press conference in September, this initiative reflects the Forces’ commitment to exploring pragmatic solutions using proven equipment. It is part of a broader collective effort to move beyond traditional approaches and deliver operational capabilities to frontline units more quickly.
Agile Innovation Built on Proven Technology
For over a decade, the French DGA has structured a national turret sector, entrusted to Arquus and now embodied by the HORNET family. This long-standing industrial expertise allows the rapid adaptation of proven components to meet emerging operational needs.
The Counter-Drone (LAD) approach builds on this sovereign industrial base to offer a solution that can:
- detect drones,
- contribute to their neutralization,
- while leveraging an architecture already widely deployed within the Forces.
This strategy avoids the lengthy and costly process of designing entirely new systems, enabling faster testing and operational evaluation.
A New Collaborative Model for Rapid Experimentation
The DGA has chosen an experimental approach, integrating new capabilities within an existing program. This innovative process involves testing an initial demonstrator provided by Arquus, followed by rapid evaluation of experimental kits within operational units.
All participants—DGA, the Forces, and industry—share a common goal: to trial a new counter- drone capability in spring 2026, aligned with the French Army’s operational planning, and to transition swiftly to full deployment.
Photo courtesy Arquus
