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
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.
-
![Canada reveals first requirements for future long-range air-to-air missile]()
Canada reveals first requirements for future long-range air-to-air missile
Exclusive: Ottawa says its future NORAD interceptor must be highly stealthy, resistant to jamming and capable of engaging threats at very long range, while leaving the competition open to domestic and international suppliers.
-
![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.
