At the 2025 Army Presentation event (Présentation de l’armée de Terre 2025), held on October 15 and 16 at the École Militaire in Paris, the French Army’s 40th Artillery Regiment highlighted its evolving capabilities, focusing on new-generation unmanned aerial systems.
The event, referred to as PAT25, is a major outreach initiative by the French Army, offering a platform for military units to interact with French and foreign authorities, parliamentarians, defense students, and members of the Institut des hautes études de défense nationale (IHEDN).
According to the French Army, the 40RA was represented by soldiers from both the Surveillance and Acquisition Battery and the Command and Logistics Battery. The regiment used the opportunity to present its modern artillery systems, including two tactical drones now in use: the DT46 and the SL450.
The DT46, developed by Delair, is a tactical drone designed to replace the older SMDR platform. It is described by the service as part of a new generation of unmanned systems aimed at supporting frontline units and adapting to current operational threats. The platform is intended to enhance the regiment’s reconnaissance and surveillance capabilities, providing direct tactical support.
The SL450 (developed by Per Se Systems), also featured at the event, is a drone developed in-house by the 17th Artillery Regiment (17RA) and manufactured at the unit level. It is used as a target drone to support counter-drone training for artillery units. The 40RA highlighted this system as a key asset in preparing personnel to engage and neutralize hostile UAVs.
The French Army said in a release that the event allowed for open dialogue between the armed forces and national defense stakeholders. It provided insight into the role of advanced drone systems in the future structure of French artillery units and emphasized the Army’s efforts to integrate evolving technology into operational training and deployment.
The Army’s use of both the DT46 and SL450 reflects an approach that incorporates advanced ISR (Intelligence, Surveillance, Reconnaissance) capability and counter-UAV preparedness within artillery regiments. These developments align with broader modernization efforts outlined in France’s military planning law.
The presentation comes at a time when NATO and European land forces are increasingly adapting their tactical formations to include drone systems capable of both real-time surveillance and battlefield threat simulation. France’s investment in in-house development and deployment of these systems marks a clear emphasis on autonomy and operational readiness.
