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French Army Develops a Remote-Controlled Anti-Tank Munition Inspired by Experiences in Ukraine.
The war in Ukraine has underscored the critical importance of swiftly adapting technological innovations for military purposes. The rise of remote-controlled munitions, particularly FPV (First Person View) drones repurposed as autonomous weapons, exemplifies this trend. Building on these developments, the French Army's 1st Parachute Hussar Regiment (RHP) has engineered an innovative remote-controlled munition by modifying outdated rifle grenades to be deployed via FPV Racer drones.
With an operational range between 50 and 2,000 meters and a flight autonomy of up to 30 minutes, the system provides flexibility for a variety of battlefield scenarios (Picture source: French MoD)
This concept utilizes two models of rifle grenades: the AC58 and the APAV40. The AC58 can penetrate up to 35 cm of steel in direct-fire mode, while the APAV40 achieves a penetration capacity of 20 cm. These capabilities make the adapted munitions effective for neutralizing hardened targets while remaining cost-efficient and operationally responsive.
The project was initiated by a non-commissioned officer from the regiment, who envisioned an adaptable munition capable of altering its trajectory mid-flight to achieve precision impacts. With an operational range between 50 and 2,000 meters and a flight autonomy of up to 30 minutes, the system provides flexibility for a variety of battlefield scenarios. The munition fills a critical gap in the regiment's anti-tank arsenal, complementing the AT4 rocket launcher and the medium-range Akeron MP missile system.
The development of this munition was made possible through collaboration with an engineering student, who contributed to refining its design, and a partnership with the FabLab in Tarbes, which facilitated the production of functional prototypes. The project is supported by the regiment's innovation cell, the Battle Lab Terre, and the Army’s Technical Section. Additionally, the Directorate General of Armaments (DGA) has assessed the feasibility of adapting the AC58 grenade for FPV drones, with dynamic firing tests planned to validate its operational capabilities.
The widespread adoption of FPV drones by Ukrainian and Russian forces has demonstrated their effectiveness due to their low cost, speed, maneuverability, and ability to evade traditional detection methods. These characteristics make them formidable tools on the battlefield. Moreover, some models incorporate wired control systems, rendering them resistant to advanced electronic countermeasures.
In response to these evolving threats, France’s Military Programming Law (LPM) 2024-2030 sets an ambitious target to acquire at least 1,800 remote-controlled munitions for its ground forces by 2030. However, this initiative must contend with the rapid pace of technological advancements. General Pierre Schill, Chief of Staff of the French Army, has emphasized the necessity of maintaining an industrial base capable of producing cutting-edge munitions that incorporate artificial intelligence for resilience against jamming, target acquisition, and autonomous navigation.
To meet these challenges, production capacities must ensure both a minimum stockpile for training and the ability to scale output during conflict. This approach minimizes the risk of stock obsolescence and aligns with a broader shift toward a wartime economy, requiring revised training and distribution methods for military equipment.
This project exemplifies the value of participatory innovation and agile solutions in addressing operational needs on the ground. By drawing on experimentation and combat experiences, the 1st RHP demonstrates a proactive approach to maintaining technological superiority while optimizing available resources. This development highlights the necessity of adaptability and flexibility in responding to rapidly evolving threats and technologies.