What is robotics changing on the battlefield at the moment? And in the near future? What are its ambitions?
Robotics brings three important new features to the battlefield. Firstly, substitution: robotics can replace humans for certain mission tasks. The aim is not to replace humans, but to relieve them of certain tasks that are repetitive, dangerous or for which robots are more efficient. This approach is fundamental to finding the best synergy between humans and automated systems. One of the fantasies associated with the robotisation of the battlefield is dehumanisation or war by proxy. These are not the directions in which the French Army is heading. Secondly, increasing the depth of effect delivery: automated systems will make it possible to deliver effects with longer range and duration. In this sense, they will change the 'metrics' of the battlefield. In the future, a "robotised" combat group will be able to deliver the effects currently achieved by a section. Finally, saturation phenomena: automated systems bring 'mass' and 'numbers' to the battlefield. They therefore make it possible to work on saturation phenomena, possibly using expendable systems. The aim of the Vulcain project is to ensure that the French Army has access to, and control of, the automated systems it has chosen to maintain its operational superiority on the battlefield.
How does the Vulcain approach structure the development of automated systems?
The Vulcain approach structures the development of automated systems by favouring an operational and pragmatic approach to robotics. The watchword is: we can automate everything, but what do we really need? France has a very comprehensive defence capability. So we need to see whether the contributions of robotics will call into question some of our current systems or complement them. The answer is clear: at the moment, robotics is an evolution, not a revolution. Nevertheless, it is a major development. The Vulcain project is enabling us, together with the French Defence Procurement Agency (DGA), the Defence Innovation Agency (AID), the French Defence Procurement Agency (DGA), the French Defence Procurement Agency (DGA) and the French Defence Procurement Agency (DPA), to work on a number of projects. Battle Lab Terre (BLT) and its robotics exploratory section to explore the field of possibilities. We identify promising avenues that also enable us to rule out 'false good ideas'. The Vulcain project is all about testing, accepting mistakes and ultimately making better choices.
What operational lessons can be learned from its use in the most recent 'real world' situations, such as the conflicts in Nagorno-Karabakh and Ukraine?
In Nagorno-Karabakh, the use of remotely operated munitions was established. This new type of equipment enables countries that do not necessarily have a full range of capabilities (particularly in the air) to benefit from certain effects that were previously inaccessible (medium-range strikes). However, we must be careful not to transpose the lessons of a conflict contextualised by the belligerents too brutally to the French army. Nevertheless, we now wish to equip our capabilities with this type of equipment.
As far as Ukraine is concerned, the 'robotic' picture is more mixed. If drones are used en masse, it is mainly as remote binoculars, for the acquisition of contact intelligence. There are few automated systems deployed. This is a very important lesson: we mustn't forget that in a so-called symmetrical conflict, mass is important. The battle tank, the shell and the infantryman remain at the heart of the battle. We therefore need to think about the future synergy between these actors in the war and automated systems.
What innovations from Battle Lab Terre can we see in action at the CoHoMa II challenge on 10 May?
On 10 May 2023, the Battle Lab Terre and the robotics exploratory section will present tactical evaluations of remotely operated munitions, bomber drones and a land-based combat platform. It will also be possible to discover the systems used by the various teams taking part in the CoHoMa-II challenge, which are all ways of meeting the technical and operational challenge of this exercise. These systems range from 'dog' robots to mini autonomous vehicles and intelligent drones.
