The experimental campaign took place on June 2, 2026, under the supervision of the Helicopter Program Team of the French Air and Space Force's Air Warfare Center (CEAM).
The exercise involved one Caracal from Helicopter Squadron 1/67 "Pyrénées" based at Cazaux Air Base and two Fennec helicopters from Helicopter Squadron "Alpilles" deployed from Orange Air Base.
Conducted off the coast near the Biscarrosse test range, the trials targeted Shahed-type unmanned aerial vehicles and demonstrated the effectiveness of helicopter-based counter-drone operations. The results further expand France's evolving counter-UAS portfolio, which already includes capabilities based around the MQ-9 Reaper.
Caracal Demonstrates Armed Counter-Drone Capability
During the campaign, several weapon systems integrated with electro-optical targeting sensors were evaluated aboard the Caracal.
The H225M Caracal, widely used for tactical transport and combat search and rescue missions, was equipped with both a 7.62 mm MAG58 machine gun and a 12.7 mm M3M heavy machine gun. To improve firing accuracy, engineers developed a dedicated chest support system for the gunner operating the M3M from the helicopter's side-mounted firing position.
Using its EOS electro-optical targeting system, the Caracal successfully engaged and destroyed two Shahed-type target drones. According to French Air and Space Force officials, the drones used during the trials measured approximately 2.3 meters in wingspan and 1.2 meters in height and were provided by the French Defence Procurement Agency's missile testing division (DGA Essais de Missiles).
Fennec Evaluates 20 mm Cannon and Trakka Sensor
The AS555 Fennec was equipped with the Trakka electro-optical sensor system, replacing the older CHLIO infrared observation camera and providing significantly enhanced target detection and range estimation capabilities.
The objective was to assess the combined use of the Trakka sensor and the helicopter's side-mounted 20 mm cannon, a weapon already employed by Fennec crews during air policing and fire-support missions. The system demonstrated promising results against slow-moving aerial targets.
French officials emphasized that additional testing remains necessary before the capability reaches full operational status. Further evaluations will focus on validating engagement procedures for both the Fennec's 20 mm cannon and the Caracal's M3M machine gun.
Helicopters Fill a Critical Counter-Drone Gap
Recent conflicts in the Middle East have highlighted the growing challenge posed by low-cost loitering munitions and one-way attack drones. While fighter aircraft such as the Rafale provide long-range air defense and rapid interception capabilities, helicopters offer unique advantages against slower targets operating at low altitude.
French military planners note that Rafale fighters typically operate between 120 and 450 knots, while Shahed-class drones cruise at approximately 80 to 100 knots. Helicopters can match those speeds more effectively, allowing them to track, identify and engage slow-moving threats in the lower airspace where conventional fighter aircraft are less efficient.
The French Air and Space Force plans to continue development of the capability, with operational deployment aboard Caracal helicopters expected in the near future, including potential use from Air Base 188 in Djibouti.
The trials represent another step in France's effort to build a multi-layered air defense architecture capable of responding to the rapidly evolving drone threat environment.