- Category
- Latest news
Lessons From Ukraine Push France to Rethink Ground Combat—Aurochs 4x4 Leads New Robots Focus
- Authors
![Photo of Dariia Mykhailenko]( "Photo of Dariia Mykhailenko")
France is ramping up development of unmanned ground vehicles (UGVs), with the Aurochs 4x4 emerging as one of the country’s most promising systems, Opex360 reported on August 2. Designed by the French Defense Procurement Agency (DGA), the Aurochs is currently undergoing trials and is equipped with an FN DEFNDER combat module from FN Herstal, armed with a 12.7 mm machine gun.
While today the French Army is showing strong interest in fielding UGVs for various roles, this marks a significant shift in approach. Just a few years ago, France had little enthusiasm for such platforms. That changed following Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine—when robotic systems began playing a visible and effective role on the battlefield, particularly in service with the Ukrainian Armed Forces.
French defense companies have been developing a range of ground-based robotic systems in recent years. In 2018, MBDA and Estonia’s Milrem Robotics unveiled the THeMIS platform, outfitted with Akeron MP anti-tank missiles. KNDS France later integrated a 20 mm cannon onto the same system. Another platform, the Centurio X-30, developed by SERA Ingénierie and KNDS, was armed with a 30 mm cannon—significantly enhancing its firepower.
More recently, Arquus and MBDA presented the DRAILER MARSEUS, fitted with eight Akeron LP missiles—a high-powered French alternative to the Israeli Spike.
Despite this robust industrial base, the French military remained cautious. It wasn’t until 2023 that France conducted its first operational testing of a UGV—choosing the Aurochs platform for initial trials.
Now, French military leadership sees robotic ground systems as integral to the future force structure. General Bruno Baratz, head of the Army’s Combat Capabilities Command (CCF), has called robotization an “imperative,” comparing it to the significance of mechanization in the 20th century.
During a 2024 Senate hearing, the French Army Chief of Staff General Pierre Schill described the Aurochs as one of the most promising platforms, noting that lessons learned from its development will inform future versions.
“We envision these robots being used first in engineering roles—particularly demining—where we already use robots to reduce risk to personnel,” officials said during the hearing. “Next will be logistics: supporting supply lines between the rear and the front. One project involves developing cargo robots capable of following behind armored vehicles that clear the route.”
According to Defense Express on August 6, this sharp rise in interest in ground robotic systems—particularly since 2023—is closely tied to observing their successful deployment by the Armed Forces of Ukraine on the battlefield.
Earlier, the US Department of State approved two major arms deals with Ukraine worth over $200 million, aimed at providing maintenance, logistics, and long-term support for the M777 howitzers currently in service with the Ukrainian Armed Forces.
