French Artillery Unit Demonstrates Adaptations Amid Challenging Conditions

A recent demonstration by the French Army’s 35th Parachute Artillery Regiment took place under harsh weather conditions, highlighting the complexities of modern warfare. The event at Camp de Canjuers, located in southeastern France, showcased the regiment’s adaptation to a battlefield increasingly dominated by drone technology. However, torrential rain and mud severely limited the effectiveness of aerial systems, underscoring a crucial lesson learned from the ongoing conflict in Ukraine: while artillery can operate in adverse weather, drones often cannot.

The demonstration, attended by arms manufacturer KNDS and several international military delegations, was initially expected to feature a range of unmanned aerial systems alongside artillery capabilities. Yet, the inclement weather grounded helicopters and drones, disrupting planned airdrops and forcing civilian aircraft to circle over the camp, complicating the artillery operations. This situation illustrated the operational challenges that can arise when weather conditions deteriorate.

Despite the setbacks, the regiment’s leadership emphasized the enduring importance of traditional artillery. According to Lt. Col. Renaud Durbecq, operations and training chief of the regiment, artillery remains critical on the battlefield, particularly for long-range engagements that drones may not reach. “Artillery is becoming increasingly important on the battlefield, since our guns are precisely the weapon that allows us to fire at the furthest range – there where, most often, drones cannot go,” Durbecq stated.

The 35th Parachute Artillery Regiment is enhancing its capabilities by integrating drones into its operations. Over the past year, the regiment has seen a fivefold increase in the number of drones, with the addition of more drone pilots and a doubling of flight hours. The regiment employs the Delair DT46 drone, capable of gathering intelligence and assisting in target acquisition over a range of approximately 80 kilometers. Additionally, the regiment utilizes smaller drones for reconnaissance and local defense operations.

A significant advancement in artillery tactics is the “acceleration of the intelligence loop.” With the DT46 drones connected directly to fire-control communications, artillery units can now respond almost immediately upon detecting a target. Durbecq noted plans to double the regiment’s DT46 capacity in the coming year, further enhancing its operational readiness.

Recently, the regiment also introduced six experimental Proteus anti-drone cannons, developed to address the growing threat of unmanned aerial systems. These cannons were tested shortly before the demonstration, successfully neutralizing two drones using a handheld jammer developed by MC2 Technologies. The Proteus system combines a 20mm cannon mounted on a truck from the 1980s with modern technology, including a thermal camera and fire-control computer. An upgraded version is also in development, which will feature artificial intelligence for improved detection capabilities.

The conflict in Ukraine has prompted further tactical innovations that the French Army may consider adopting. Olivier Fort, a former artillery colonel now with KNDS, highlighted the importance of prepositioning artillery rounds and propellant charges at firing locations. This approach minimizes the risk of secondary explosions caused by drone attacks, as artillery pieces loaded with ammunition are more vulnerable. Fort noted that approximately 75% of artillery pieces in Ukraine have been destroyed by remotely operated munitions, emphasizing the need for evolving strategies.

“People often thought that tracked armored vehicles were necessary, but the destruction rate of tracked armored vehicles in Ukraine is very, very high,” Fort explained. The Caesar 155mm howitzer, used by the regiment, and Ukraine’s Bohdana artillery piece, both utilize external loading systems to enhance survivability.

Moreover, Fort discussed the emerging tactics of targeting anti-drone nets and wiring that protect trenches and roads, clearing pathways for loitering munitions. Both Ukrainian and Russian forces have increasingly fortified their artillery positions, recognizing that immediate mobility to avoid counterfire is less critical in the current combat environment.

The demonstration at Canjuers also underscored the importance of maintaining mobility for resupply operations. Fort pointed out that the Caesar can be resupplied in minutes, whereas some tracked armored howitzers may take up to half an hour. Given that Russian troops have begun employing multiple drones to attack single vehicles, the need for effective camouflage, decoys, and mobility is paramount.

The conflict in Ukraine has reinforced the necessity for greater combat mass. As a result, the 35th Parachute Artillery Regiment is focusing on operational readiness by training reservists in artillery expertise. Additionally, within the larger 11th Parachute Brigade, there is a renewed emphasis on integrating mortar support teams into infantry regiments, as exemplified by the 2nd Foreign Parachute Regiment’s recent training exercises.

Despite the challenges faced during the demonstration, Durbecq expressed satisfaction with the current iteration of the Caesar howitzer. “Each system has its advantages and disadvantages,” he noted after a series of artillery salvos in the rain-soaked terrain. “But as a user of the regiment, today I believe that I need a system that is reliable, and that must be its greatest quality.”

The lessons learned from the ongoing conflict in Ukraine continue to shape the strategies and capabilities of the French Army, underscoring the importance of adaptability in modern warfare.