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French and US Army Test Drone Swarms and Automated Hives to Shape Future of Warfare.
The development and testing of new combat technologies are central to modern armed forces' efforts to enhance operational effectiveness while reducing risks for personnel. In this context, the 13th Demi-Brigade of the French Foreign Legion (13e DBLE) recently conducted a military innovation demonstration on the Larzac plateau, supported by the Army Technical Section (STAT). During this exercise, its Infantry Robotic Intelligence Section (SRRI) deployed a swarm of aerial drones from a Griffon Multi-Role Armored Vehicle (VBMR), showcasing the rapid advancements in autonomous systems.
During Capstone 5, the 13e DBLE’s SRRI tested two automated "hives" on a Griffon and a Masstech vehicle, enabling rapid drone swarm deployment and seamless C2 integration. (Picture source: French MoD)
The experiment demonstrated the capability of a single operator to simultaneously control eight drones in coordinated flight. Utilizing artificial intelligence and an advanced interface, this system allowed real-time surveillance over a three-kilometer radius. The drones mapped the
disruption. Each drone can carry specific payloads tailored to mission requirements, enabling a range of tactical scenarios. The integration of these systems reflects a shift towards more networked and automated warfare, where the speed and accuracy of intelligence play a crucial role.
Building on these trials, the 13 DBLE is currently participating in the Capstone 5 exercise in California as part of #ProjectConvergence. Held at the US Army’s National Training Center, this US-led initiative aims to test technologies expected to shape future conflicts through 2040. It brings together ground forces from the United States, the United Kingdom, Australia, Canada, and New Zealand to evaluate emerging capabilities in robotics, air defense, and communications. This large-scale experiment serves as a testing ground for collaborative combat and aims to strengthen interoperability among allied forces. As part of this exercise, the 6th Light Armored Brigade (6e BLB), which oversees the 13e DBLE, has been integrated as a subordinate unit to the US Army’s 82nd Airborne Division to enhance joint operational coordination.
During Capstone 5, the 13e DBLE’s SRRI introduced two prototypes of automated "hives" designed to facilitate the transport and deployment of drone swarms. Integrated into a Griffon and a Masstech vehicle, these systems enable the rapid launch of multiple reconnaissance drones and ensure seamless connectivity with a command-and-control (C2) system. The Bordeaux-based company IcarusSwarms, which supplies these systems, highlights that a single operator can deploy a swarm of four to twenty drones in under five minutes.
The 6e BLB command has emphasized the operational benefits of these technologies, stating that they allow for the rapid three-dimensional modeling of an area within approximately 20 minutes, providing detailed intelligence to both French and allied forces. The increasing use of drone swarms in military operations reflects an ongoing transformation in operational tactics, where automation and artificial intelligence are reshaping battlefield strategies.
The 13e DBLE’s participation in this initiative highlights the acceleration of autonomous technology integration within the French Armed Forces. The deployment of drone swarms expands battlefield situational awareness and enhances responsiveness to emerging threats. The involvement in Capstone 5 and similar innovation programs demonstrates the commitment of ground forces to adapting to evolving military challenges, where technology environment with high precision, detecting any movement in the area and providing a significant tactical advantage. The operator could track adversary movements and quickly identify potential threats, improving battlefield intelligence collection.
Beyond reconnaissance, drone swarms offer additional operational applications, such as target marking, deception tactics against adversary forces, and electronic plays a decisive role in operational effectiveness.