France has begun testing a unit of combat robots

The French military and the defense industry are working to create a robotic combat unit that can perform the tasks of an infantry company or a cavalry squadron. The tests are being conducted at the Saint-Cyr-Coetcidan training ground. This was reported by Le Point magazine on July 4.

The Pendragon project, launched in 2025, is overseen by the Ministerial Agency for Artificial Intelligence in the Field of Defense (AMIAD), the Command for Advanced Combat Operations (CCF) and representatives of the defense industry. In the summer of 2027, the developers plan to introduce a robotic division (URC), which will include about 10 ground platforms and about 60 UAVs.

"Instead of putting 120-130 military personnel at risk, we will send our robots and drones, which will be remotely controlled by about 15 soldiers stationed in the rear," said Lieutenant Colonel Christophe, who is responsible for the tactical part of the project.

The tests are being conducted at the Saint-Cyr-Coetcidan training ground in the Morbihan department. The key element will be the AI-based C2 Pendragon control system, which will coordinate the actions of the platforms based on the tasks set by the commander. The decision on the use of weapons remains with the person.

Most ground-based robots are equipped with internal combustion engines, which allows them to be returned to service faster compared to electric platforms. In the future, they will be able to carry machine guns and containers with remotely controlled ammunition. The cost of one such unit is estimated at about €10 million. After the demonstration of the prototype, the developers will have to create an application doctrine and conduct additional tests. The Pendragon project is part of the global trend of robotization of the armies of the world's leading countries. The United States, China and Russia are also actively developing similar systems.

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