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)
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
-
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.
-
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
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.