Amendment approved for land robotics funding

Amendments to the 2027 draft finance bill received approval from deputies of the National Defense and Armed Forces Committee. One amendment, if it successfully completes the process, would add approximately 30 million euros to the funding allocated for land robotics next year.

Funding source and purpose

Deputy François Cormier-Bouligeon, the originator of this amendment and rapporteur for opinion on the funding of program 146 "Equipment of Forces," stated that the lack of funding for studies on land robots was highlighted by industrialists and the general staff. The funds would be subtracted from program 212 "Support of Defense Policy" to address the need for immediate engagement in land robotics to avoid delays and meet the Army's requirements.

Strategic focus on autonomous systems

This comes as General Jacques de Montgros, the chief of staff of the Army, has prioritized scaling up autonomous systems. If this funding is maintained in a timely adopted finance bill, it could directly benefit the major impact program (PEM) "Land Combat Robotization."

Deployment timeline and industry involvement

Approximately 50 million euros are allocated in the 2027 budget to initiate its first increment. If launched, this would lead to the order of an intermediate capacity of armed robots to equip two regiments. A consultation is underway for the acquisition of a first batch of 24 armed robots, with a potential solution in the first weeks of 2027.

Industry players and technical challenges

The first step into combat robotics is modeled on the DROIDE program, attracting major industry players. KNDS France is positioning itself with its CENTURIO, while Soframe is promoting a robot CXT from the Canadian division of Rheinmetall. Other industrialists, such as Safran and Unac, the winner of the ROBIN market with a robotic version of its Fardier, are also involved. Some uncertainties remain, particularly regarding the caliber of the integrated weapon and the question of costs, which may require revising some ambitions, according to observers in industrial circles.

Artificial intelligence and future plans

Combat robotics is closely linked to artificial intelligence, which is essential for autonomy. According to the CEMAT during a parliamentary hearing in mid-October, the ability to maximize the effects of drones and robots through artificial intelligence is a key factor in operational superiority. This autonomy is part of the Pendragon program, which the Minister of Defense, Catherine Vautrin, stated would receive 35 million euros in 2027.

Future goals for robotic combat units

This funding is intended to demonstrate a first robotic combat unit - the URC 0 - in June 2027 and continue the sequence. The plan is for a dozen combat robots and forty aerial drones to interact based on artificial intelligence, with the URC reaching full capacity by 2035.