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
Our news & analysis is now part of Defence Insight®
A Basic-level or higher Defence Insight subscription is now required to view this content.
More from Land Warfare
-
![How joint ventures are expanding Rheinmetall's munitions portfolio (video)]()
How joint ventures are expanding Rheinmetall's munitions portfolio (video)
Roman Köhne, CEO of Rheinmetall's Weapon and Ammunition Division, discusses the company's announcements at Eurosatory 2026, including developments in defence technology, precision systems, industrial partnerships and future capability programmes.
-
![Push strengthens for a second JLTV supplier]()
Push strengthens for a second JLTV supplier
A move, launched in May, could lead to a second supplier for the US Marines Corps’ Joint Light Tactical Vehicle requirement. Meanwhile, Wisconsin elected representatives have been pushing for necessary funding to be included in the FY27 budget.
-
![July land forces roundup: UK outlines spending with details unveiled on Eurosatory vehicles]()
July land forces roundup: UK outlines spending with details unveiled on Eurosatory vehicles
Analysis of the long-awaited UK Defence Investment Plan, which was finally released on 30 June, revealed scant investment in platform replacement for the British Army. The bright spot in July, however, was a multibillion-dollar contract awarded for the British Army’s Collective Training System.
-
![Italian Army advances plans for 155m wheeled artillery fleet]()
Italian Army advances plans for 155m wheeled artillery fleet
With a requirement for 60 systems, the Italian Army is preparing to complement its tracked artillery with a modern wheeled solution based on domestic industry.
-
![Europe’s eastern flank moves on air defence radars with wider efforts also underway]()
Europe’s eastern flank moves on air defence radars with wider efforts also underway
Air defence radars have become more important assets in the past year with incursions in NATO countries on Europe’s eastern flank highlighting the need.
