France augments SOF capabilities
The MV850 quad vehicle (right) from Polaris is being tested by French airborne SOF and has been used in Western Africa. (Photo: Jean-Marc Tanguy)
French SOF chiefs recognised a need to refresh equipment for operations on land, at sea and in the air.
Recent procurement efforts for French Special Operations Command (COS) reflect a need to enhance ISR, weaponry and non-kinetic effectors.
COS has 4,500 operators (around 500 overseas), but each original component (the Army, the Navy and the Air and Space Force) is responsible for buying equipment and training SOF.
In terms of procurement, the 1st Marine Parachute Regiment (1er RPIMa) in the French Army recently modernised its sniper weaponry with the deployment of several dozen Cadex CDX-40 Shadow .408cal rifles in Iraq and Syria.
The CDX-40 weighs significantly less than legacy .50cal rifles (the FR-12.7 Hécate made by PGM and the Barrett
Already have an account? Log in
Want to keep reading this article?
Read this Article
Get access to this article with a Free Basic Account
- Original curated content, daily across air, land and naval domains
- 1 free story per week
- Personalised news alerts
- Daily and weekly newsletters
- Free magazine subscription to all our titles
- Downloadable equipment data handbooks
- Distribution rights (Corporate only)
Unlimited Access
Access to all our premium news as a Premium News 365 Member. Corporate subscriptions available.
- Original curated content, daily across air, land and naval domains
- 14-day free trial (cancel at any time)
- Unlimited access to all published premium news
- 10-year news archive access
- Downloadable equipment data handbooks
- Distribution rights (Corporate only)
More from Special Operations
-
![French special forces look to mobile apps for tactical advantage]()
French special forces look to mobile apps for tactical advantage
Hexagon's new platform for developing Android mobile apps for dismounted soldiers is already being put to use on a project for French special forces.
-
![GSOF Symposium Europe: Events in Ukraine drive SOF procurement in Europe (Sponsored)]()
GSOF Symposium Europe: Events in Ukraine drive SOF procurement in Europe (Sponsored)
Russia’s invasion of Ukraine has concentrated the minds of governments across Europe, where there are increasing efforts to upgrade and replace military capabilities.
-
![SEALs test UK-made underwater comms technology]()
SEALs test UK-made underwater comms technology
Systems from UK firm Succorfish underwent a week of tests with US Navy SEAL divers.
-
![Singapore diving unit inducts naval craft amidst reorganisation]()
Singapore diving unit inducts naval craft amidst reorganisation
A new vessel type is being inducted by Singapore's naval special operations unit.
-
![Malaysia looks for special forces equipment]()
Malaysia looks for special forces equipment
Anti-structure weapons and training grenades are on the shopping list of Malaysian army special forces.
