French Army still not committed to Hornet Air Guardian anti-drone concept
A mock-up of Hornet Air Guardian mounted on an HMMWV platform was displayed at the 2022 AUSA event in Washington DC. (Photo: Christopher F Foss)
Arquus subsidiary Hornet is still trying to convince French and export customers of the value of the Air Guardian remote weapon station's counter-drone capability.
Almost one year after being unveiled, the Hornet Air Guardian – a counter-drone variant of the Hornet remote control weapon station (RCWS)– remains at concept stage with no launch customer secured as officials still attempt to demonstrate its value to the French Army.
Launched in June 2022 at Eurosatory, the Hornet Air Guardian, manufactured by Arquus sister company Hornet, had attracted a lot of attention.
The counter-drone kit is based on the Hornet RCWS, already in service with the French Army. Its key distinguishing feature is the ability to neutralise UAVs simultaneously with the conventional operation of the turret.
'Hornet Air Guardian
Already have an account? Log in
Want to keep reading this article?
More from Land Warfare
-
![Sweden seeks US HIMARS missile system to expand long-range strike capability]()
Sweden seeks US HIMARS missile system to expand long-range strike capability
The proposed $920 million deal would provide Sweden with a step up from its existing tube artillery and align the country with other northern European nations that have selected the HIMARS platform.
-
![Thales Storm 2 counter-drone system being evaluated by potential customers]()
Thales Storm 2 counter-drone system being evaluated by potential customers
The attack drone threat from first-person view uncrewed aerial systems has been highlighted by recent conflicts and Thales has adapted its Storm 2 counter-improvised explosive device jammer to provide protection.
-
![Rolls-Royce to lead powertrain development for MGCS in important step for the programme]()
Rolls-Royce to lead powertrain development for MGCS in important step for the programme
The move signals significant progress for the delayed Franco-German Main Ground Combat System programme with first powerpack prototypes set to be tested before the end of the decade.
