A Change in Tactics: French Army Tests Splitting Armored Units to Counter Drone Threat
The French Army is currently examining a significant change in how its armored units operate on the battlefield. The army's 7th Armored Brigade has begun a trial in which it is splitting large tank platoons into smaller, more flexible teams. The primary goal of this move is to reduce the forces' exposure to modern threats.
The change stems from the rise in the use of drones and advanced surveillance equipment on battlefields around the world. Today, large armored units are a relatively easy target for detection and precise aerial strikes. By dividing into small teams, the French Army hopes to make its forces less conspicuous in the field.
Small teams offer another advantage: they are a less attractive target for the enemy. When tanks are dispersed in the field rather than moving as a large group, it is more difficult for the enemy to destroy a large number of vehicles in a single operation. This approach requires a change in command and control methods, as each team needs to operate more independently.
The French experiment is attracting great interest among armies worldwide, including in Israel, which are dealing with similar challenges. The technology of cheap, small drones has changed the face of war, and the need to adapt military tactics to the new reality has become essential for every modern army.
In conclusion, the French Army's move highlights the importance of flexibility on the future battlefield. While tanks remain a central tool in combat, the way they are deployed must change to ensure their survival in the face of new technological threats.