France deploys its weapons

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It is the flagship of French anti-aircraft defense: the Mamba interception system. Exceptionally, the France Télévisions teams were able to film it. The orders are given in English, but it is indeed the French army which is in a command post in the Creuse. That day, simulated an intrusion into airspace. In the scenario, the order was given to destroy the planes using Aster missiles, the largest French interceptor missiles. “We are capable of firing several missiles at a very short interval at several targets at the same time”indicates Captain Sébastin of the Air and Space Force.

Until then, in the event of an intrusion, the doctrine was only to escort the planes back. This is what NATO did with Russian fighters in Estonia a few weeks ago. But France says it no longer excludes killing them, a way to show off muscles. “It gave credibility to the threat. It shows the French determination to intervene, to protect the airspace and French sovereignty. For us, obviously, it is very concrete since we train for this daily, it is our job”analyzes Captain Jérémy of the Air and Space Force.

Equipped with a high-performance radar, the Mamba has proven itself in Ukraine. Delivered to the Ukrainian army, it allowed it to intercept large Shahed drones that Russia produces by the thousands. But for smaller drones it is not suitable. “It’s too expensive, it would be an aberration. It’s like using a dump truck to transport a stone that fits in your hand. It’s ridiculous”compares Captain Sébastin.

The army also trains with weapons of a completely different caliber. During maneuvers against small drones, soldiers practice with wave jamming rifles. They have been in service for three years. “It will allow the user to block the drone for a short time in order to then allow the rest of the operators to be able to destroy it with a fire action”explains Quartermaster Melvin, Nérod operator, Army.

The army also recycles older weapons, such as a 20 millimeter cannon, boosted with artificial intelligence to intercept drones. It also invents new ones with manufacturers, such as a laser which causes their destruction from a distance.