Exclusive: French Artillery Units Adopt New Drone-Based Tactics Inspired by Russia-Ukraine War.

The French Army's artillery units equipped with the CAESAR (CAmion Équipé d'un Système d'ARtillerie), a 155mm wheeled self-propelled howitzer, are now utilizing SMDR drones (Mini Drone de Renseignement - Mini Intelligence Drone) for advanced reconnaissance and target acquisition missions. These drones, capable of operating up to 30 km from the artillery positions, provide highly accurate battlefield intelligence, replacing the traditional role of artillery observers who previously had to operate in dangerous frontline positions.
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A French CAESAR 155mm wheeled howitzer conducting precision strikes with the support of an SMDR (Mini Drone de Renseignement) for real-time reconnaissance and target acquisition.  (Picture source: Video footage French TV TF1)

This new approach, shaped by lessons learned from the ongoing Russia-Ukraine war, reflects the increasing reliance on unmanned systems in modern warfare. The conflict has demonstrated the vital role of drones in enhancing situational awareness and targeting precision, while also minimizing human exposure to high-risk zones.

With these drones, French artillery units can now conduct precise and rapid-fire missions, drastically improving their reaction time. The CAESAR howitzer, a key asset of French artillery, can be deployed and begin firing in under two minutes thanks to the real-time data provided by the SMDR drones. This enhanced capability is crucial in fast-moving battlefield conditions where mobility and precision are paramount.

The proliferation of drones has improved reconnaissance and targeting capabilities and introduced a new threat on the battlefield. The French Army recognizes that drones have become a critical factor in modern combat, and neutralizing enemy drones is essential for crippling their ability to conduct reconnaissance and identification missions.

In response to this growing threat, the French military is ramping up its drone capabilities. France operates more than 4,000 drones across various branches of its military, and plans are underway to increase this number significantly. The strategic focus is on expanding drone production and integrating drones more deeply into battlefield operations, reinforcing the lessons learned from the Russia-Ukraine conflict.

The war in Ukraine has underscored the importance of drone warfare in contemporary conflicts. Both sides have deployed a wide range of drones for reconnaissance, artillery spotting, and even direct attacks, transforming military operations. Drones provide unprecedented real-time intelligence, enabling faster decision-making and more precise strikes. For artillery units like those using the CAESAR howitzer, drones eliminate the need for forward observers, reducing human risk while increasing the accuracy and lethality of strikes.

As a result, military forces worldwide, including France, are adopting similar tactics, integrating unmanned systems into their operations to maintain battlefield superiority. The French Army's use of the SMDR drone in coordination with the CAESAR howitzer exemplifies how these lessons are being applied to enhance combat effectiveness in the face of evolving threats.

In conclusion, France's focus on drone-based reconnaissance and artillery tactics marks a significant shift in military strategy. By leveraging the experience of recent conflicts and continuously improving its technological capabilities, the French Army is positioning itself at the forefront of modern warfare