The French Army has taken a symbolic step forward in its transformation efforts by debuting the DT46 artillery drone during the annual military parade on the Champs-Élysées, a first for this cutting-edge unmanned system. This event served as a public demonstration of France’s continuing investment in advanced battlefield technologies under its broader Scorpion program.
Parading with the 68th African Artillery Regiment (68e RAA)—a historic unit of the 7th Armored Brigade—the drone’s appearance underscored the fusion of modern technology with tradition. Originally formed in Tlemcen in 1941, the regiment now based in La Valbonne has contributed to a variety of operations, including the WWII Allied landings in Provence, counterterrorism efforts in Mali, and the Pamir mission in Afghanistan.
The DT46 is a next-generation reconnaissance drone designed to support artillery units through real-time visual intelligence (IMINT). It is optimized for target acquisition in depth, supports frontline fire missions, and enables precise counter-battery targeting. Designed for brigade-level deployment, the DT46 offers operational agility and endurance, suited for high-tempo, multi-domain engagements.
Weighing 28 kilograms, it can fly up to 80 kilometers, endure over five hours in standard fixed-wing flight, and over three hours using its VTOL system. Its compact design includes a 4.7-meter wingspan, 2-meter body, and low-noise profile, making it hard to detect beyond 200 meters. The drone can carry up to 5 kilograms of mission-specific payloads, enabling versatile sensor integration for advanced battlefield surveillance and targeting.
