France has taken an important step in modernizing its infantry forces by delivering 1,000 reconnaissance microdrones to the Army.
The equipment is part of the “drone du combattant” program, created to provide direct aerial observation to small units in the field without relying on higher-level assets. The first batch will already be used in the ORION 2026 Exercise, focused on high-intensity operations.
Weighing only 1.8 kg, with a range of over two kilometers and up to 40 minutes of endurance, the drones allow real-time surveillance over wide areas or difficult terrain, both day and night. Equipped with optronic sensors and infrared cameras, the systems significantly enhance soldiers’ situational awareness during reconnaissance, security, and movement planning missions.
The acquisition was carried out at an accelerated pace by the Direction générale de l’armement (DGA), following an order placed in June 2025 to the French company Harmattan AI. The process took place less than a year after the European tender and included simplified requirements and strong coordination between government and industry, reducing the traditional timelines of military procurement.
Fully produced in France, with LYNRED providing the thermal cameras, the drones reflect France’s strategy to strengthen industrial sovereignty in defense. The program also aims to standardize the use of light drones among infantry units, following lessons from recent conflicts that highlighted the importance of these systems for battlefield reconnaissance.
Source: Defence Blog | Photo: X @CEMAT_FR | This content was created with the help of AI and reviewed by the editorial team
Dans les jours à venir, 1000 drones français Sonora seront livrés dans les régiments.
Efficaces, dotés d’IA, économiques et facilement réparables, ils répondent parfaitement au besoin d’équiper chaque groupe de combat pour un usage intensif.
Soldats de l’@armeedeTerre : volez… pic.twitter.com/8Xuo5qTXk4
— Chef d’état-major de l’armée de Terre (@CEMAT_FR) January 21, 2026
