C-UAV demands put BASSALT to the test
French soldiers with a Nerod F5 microwave jammer rifle. (Photo: Jean-Marc Tanguy)
A counter-UAV system originally developed for the civil aviation sector is being used in Mali to protect French forces.
In recent years, Western forces have noticed the increased use of small UAVs by Islamist terrorist groups, including attacks in Iraq and Syria.
The situation is slightly different in Africa, where Boko Haram and Islamic State have (so far) not used armed mini-UAVs. However, French units deployed in West Africa are striving to deploy adequate countermeasures against the risk of future swarming UAV attacks.
In March 2021, the French Air Force deployed the BASSALT counter-UAV (C-UAV) solution in Operation Barkhane in Niger and Mali. This system is derived from efforts by French airport operator Paris Aéroport to detect UAVs
Already have an account? Log in
Want to keep reading this article?
More from Land Warfare
-
![Denmark shuns US platform as it settles on SAMP/T air defence system]()
Denmark shuns US platform as it settles on SAMP/T air defence system
The acquisition, which is part of the country’s broader defence package worth DKK58 billion (US$9.2 billion), goes against the grain with many other European countries opting for the US’s popular Patriot platform.
-
![In depth: Competition for British Army vehicle programme heats up, despite more delays]()
In depth: Competition for British Army vehicle programme heats up, despite more delays
The UK’s Land Mobility Programme (LMP) seems set to be delayed once again but industry is jockeying for position to partner in what would be one of the biggest ever buys for the British Army.
-
![DSEI 2025: AM General has partner lined up for British Army vehicle programme]()
DSEI 2025: AM General has partner lined up for British Army vehicle programme
AM General’s Joint Light Tactical Vehicle (JLTV) A2 is in low-rate initial production and the company is looking for export orders, notably the UK’s Land Mobility Programme (LMP), to add to a recent approval for Canada to buy vehicles.
-
![DSEI 2025: IDV sets eyes on British Army vehicle deal as MD calls for “acceleration” of efforts]()
DSEI 2025: IDV sets eyes on British Army vehicle deal as MD calls for “acceleration” of efforts
The UK’s Land Mobility Programme (LMP) to replace thousands of vehicles is in flux as the tender for the Light Mobility Vehicle segment planned for November is set to be missed. IDV Robotics’ Dr Geoff Davis is calling for the UK government to focus broadly on indigenous capability for procurement and to do it faster.
-
![DSEI 2025: Avon Protection provides first sight of new goggle and details on half mask]()
DSEI 2025: Avon Protection provides first sight of new goggle and details on half mask
Avon Protection has been growing and improving its integrated systems offerings. Last year the company released its Exoskin total protective suit system and earlier this year the MITR-M1 half mask.
-
![DSEI 2025: Elbit Systems set to field joint fires systems as it looks to large UK requirements]()
DSEI 2025: Elbit Systems set to field joint fires systems as it looks to large UK requirements
Elbit Systems UK was awarded the Dismounted Joint Fires Integrators (D-JFI) programme in January 2021, which will integrate with the UK’s army, marines and air force. The parent company has decades of heritage in the UK and is looking to compete for the Watchkeeper drone replacement.
