In the current fast-paced technological landscape, defence equipment is experiencing rapid advancements. The French Special Forces, who assess new equipment annually, must stabilise their inventory to effectively develop operational concepts.
The French Special Forces (SF) are made up of the Commandement des Opérations Spéciales (COS; ENG: Special Operations Command) and units from the Army, Navy and Air Force. The Commandement des Actions Spéciales Terre (CAST; ENG: Command for Special Operations on Land) is the army’s specific command, comprising three regiments, command and support elements with 2,500 soldiers and 45 helicopters. The Naval Special Forces (Commandos Marine) have seven specialised commands, including two special operations support commandos and 700 operators. The Air Force Special Forces Brigade (BFSA) commands the CPA 10 and 30 Air Parachute Commando, the 3/61 ‘Poitou’ transport squadron, and the 1/67 ‘Pyrénées’ helicopter squadron. The 2025 edition of SOFINS, a key event for France’s SF community, addresses the following challenges: enhancing the effectiveness of operators and their equipment; expanding the range of options; and reducing the time spent in the field. An overview of their current equipment is provided following these key ideas.
Improving the efficiency of operators and their equipment
Enhancing SF capabilities involves utilising a variety of equipment to improve their performance. The French military programming act (LPM 2024-2030) includes provisions for equipping SF with new intervention capabilities, tailored to their diverse missions in various environments, enabling operations in challenging conditions.
Specialists in action, human intelligence, and counterterrorism use standardised weapons such as the HK416A5 assault rifle and Glock 17 pistol, equipped with optics, laser designators, and suppressors. Some (such as Mountain Commando and some Parachute Commandos) also use the SIG MCX VIRTUS assault rifle, while the SIG SG 553 assault rifle is used by divers. Helicopter crews have HK MP7A1 personal defence weapon (PDW), while marksmen use HK417 rifles, which were previously procured for operations in Afghanistan. In terms of sniper rifles, Air Force special forces employ Sako TRG-42 rifles in .338 Lapua Magnum (8.6 × 70 mm) and recently the Cadex CDX-40 SHDW in .408 Chey Tac (10.4 × 77 mm), while Marine commandos use Barrett M107A1 rifles in .50 BMG (12.7 × 99 mm). Special Forces are equipped with various machine guns including the FN Evolys, and vehicles, boats, and helicopters now mount the Dillon Aero M134D minigun. The 1st Marine Infantry Parachute Regiment (1er RPIMa) and 13th Parachute Dragoon Regiment (13e RDP), action teams, also use grenade launchers such as the HK GMG.
For anti-vehicle or anti-tank missions, operators use the Saab AT4CS and the Nammo M72 LAW for their compactness. Army special units have also been using the Akeron MP anti-tank guided missile (ATGM) since 2018. In this context, the ability to launch Akeron MP ATGMs from the SF vehicle is a real operational asset, since missile can be launched and then switch to fire-and-forget mode, allowing the team to leave the area. Mortars are also part of their equipment, including Austrian Hirtenberger Defence Systems 60 mm mortars and plans to acquire the Alakran mortar platform from Spanish company Milanion NTGS.
SF units, as well as the wider armed forces, are set to receive the new Bariolage Multi-Environment (BME) camouflage. This newly designed pattern will replace the existing desert and Central Europe camouflage designs. This change is being implemented despite the widespread use of multicam. According to its designers, the BME decreases the visual signature of a combatant, increasing detection time by 25%. Following the Army, 700 Naval special operations personnel are scheduled to receive their uniforms starting in March 2025, with a slight delay anticipated for the French Air and Space Force. The land special forces utilise a highly versatile plate carrier known as the G3P. This equipment is fully modular and lightweight, designed to accommodate plates that provide protection against armour-piercing rounds.
Renewing air and helicopter capabilities
In May 2022, the French Air and Space Force retired the last C-160 Transall, which had been modernised in 2019 with Command, Control, Communications, Computers, Intelligence, Surveillance, Target Acquisition and Reconnaissance (C4ISTAR) and Link 16 capabilities. The ET 3/61 “Poitou” squadron now uses the Airbus A400M transport aircraft, validated for all-terrain landings since 2021. The aircraft is also equipped with Link 16, which allows it to be integrated into air operations.
The Military Air Expertise Centre (CEAM) is working with an industrial partner on a very low-altitude tracking radar, along with air-dropping French Naval Commando ZH-930 Rigid Inflatable Boat (RIB), known as ECUME. The unit operates two C-130H Hercules and two DH-6 Twin Otter aircraft. The recently renovated C-130s are equipped with an MX-20 optronic system, newer communication systems, and the Remotely Operated Video Enhanced Receiver (ROVER) system for Joint Terminal Attack Controller (JTAC) communication. There are options for arming the C-130 with Armement Air-Sol Modulaire (AASM) family guided bombs, which could be installed under the wing instead of additional fuel tanks. The Commandement des Opérations Spéciales also works with Air Force fighters, the MQ-9 Reaper unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV), and intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) assets such as the Avion Léger de Surveillance et de Reconnaissance (ALSR; ENG: Light Surveillance and Reconnaissance Aircraft).
The 4th Special Forces Helicopter Regiment (4e RHFS), based in Pau in the South of France, consists of seven Special Operations Squadrons and a detached unit based in Villacoublay near Paris. The fleet includes ten new-generation AS 532 Cougar helicopters, ten SA 342 Gazelle helicopters and eight EC665 Tiger helicopters. In addition, the Ministry of the Interior uses seven SA 330 Puma for rapid movement within the country. The situation regarding the equipment plan is evolving. The French Air Force will receive the entire fleet of 19 H225M Caracal helicopters on order, while the 4eRHFS will receive all 18 NH90 Standard 2 helicopters. These new helicopters, based on the NH90 TTH variant, will have a transport capacity of 14 to 20 passengers, a Distributed Aperture System (DAS) and a new-generation Helmet Mounted Sight Digital Display (HMSD-DD). The aircraft features a Safran Euroflir 410 optronic sight, a new digital map generator, the installation of a third crew member and new, enlarged sliding rear windows capable of accommodating MAG58 machine guns. Flight testing of the prototype began in June 2024, and entry into service is planned for 2025. The unit will also receive 11 H160 M Guépard helicopters under the Hélicoptère Interarmées Léger (HIL; ENG: Joint Light Helicopter) programme. The programme integrates specific equipment, such as communication systems, and kits to specialise the aircraft. This approach has already been used on the NH90.
Operations at sea
The increase in the armed forces’ budget has enabled the modernisation of submarine incursion equipment. The PSM3G swimmer delivery vehicle, designed for marine commandos, is now in service and deployable on Suffren class submarines. It will be housed in a composite fairing to maintain hydrodynamics and discretion. The system is also air-transportable by C-130 aircraft, allowing it to be deployed to remote operating zones with minimal port stops or directly out at sea. Additionally, a third training module has been ordered, alongside two Dry Deck Shelters (DDS).
SF units use various boats for sea operations, with the French Navy employing the aforementioned ZH-930 ECUME (9.35 m long), equipped with a NAZDAC autonomous navigation system from Safran, and carrying 12 commandos; and the Etraco (7.33 m long) carrying 14 operators. The Army’s SF uses the Squale RIB9.4 WJ, built by UFAST shipyards. For inland waters, the 1er RPIMa operates the Styx fast river craft.
Land mobility
Special forces must maintain their edge over conventional forces, which have ever more advanced resources and specialised units that cultivate a higher level of excellence. In France, these include the parachute and mountain commando groups (GCP and GCM) and the amphibious engagement support group, the 9eBIMa. The SF’s level of innovation must therefore be considerably higher compared with recent commitments in the Sahel. In addition to the air vehicles already mentioned, land mobility is a source of progress. In-service Land Rover and Mercedes G-class vehicles are being phased out, with a new generation of vehicles in the process of being introduced.
The Poids Lourd des Forces Spéciales (PLFS; ENG: Special Forces Heavyweight) and Véhicule Léger Forces Spéciales (VLFS; ENG: Light Vehicle for Special Forces) Light Vehicles Programme (PLFS/VLFS) is now being delivered to the French armed forces after experiencing delays and technical challenges. The final allocation will consist of 151 PLFS and 206 VLFS vehicles. These numbers have been adjusted due to the procurement of additional vehicles outside the original programme. As a result of the programme delays, the Commandement des Opérations Spéciales has acquired 45 VOS-APP 6×6 vehicles produced by Technamm, based on the Toyota Land Cruiser AZJ 79, as well as around 20 Masstech Commando vehicles for the BFSA. In addition, TECNAMM will also supply around ten armoured VOS-MEDs designed around the Masstech T6 (VOS-APP), for medical evacuation.
French SF will soon receive Serval armoured vehicles modified by the Section technique de l’Armée de terre (STAT; ENG: French Army Technical Section), with two variant based on the infantry and command post versions of the Serval. Modifications include adding AN/PRC-152 and RF-9820 handheld radios, and the AN/PRC-117 portable networking radio. The command post version will feature a Satellite communication on the move (SOTM) terminal, and the Delta Suite C2 system.
At the light all-terrain vehicle end, the 1st RPIMa uses the Polaris MRZR, with some planned to include the Alkaran mobile mortar system. Units also operate quad bikes such as the Polaris Sportsman MV850 and MV700. The first units were delivered at the end of 2022. Alongside these, 60 Fardier light vehicles and 34 trailers are planned to support medical evacuation, logistics missions and carry 120 mm mortars. These vehicles have a top speed of 60 km/h, and are aircraft/helicopter-transportable, as well as air-droppable.
Despite the standardisation of vehicles, there are still small fleets acquired according to their specific requirements. The Land Special Forces also evaluated the Haulotte Ultralightweight Tactical Platform (HUTP), produced by French company Haulotte. Equipped with a 160 hp diesel engine and a five-speed automatic gearbox, it can carry a payload of 1.2 tonnes, reach a top speed of 150 km/h and have a range of at least 1,000 km. Additionally, electric motorcycles and mountain bikes have been tested by the French SF for several years, such as the LMX 161 electric motorcycle.
Specialised ISR
Night vision binoculars are standard equipment for SF operators. The Thales Bonie HP NVG is a widely used model. The Commandement des Opérations Spéciales requirements were communicated to Thales in 2014, leading to deployment with units in July 2015 and serial production in 2018. Some task forces use L3 GPNVG four-tube goggles, while Thales Sophie and Safran JIM LR binoculars are used for long-range observation.
Alongside the above, the Commandement des Opérations Spéciales uses small drones to ensure timely observation, such as the Teledyne FLIR Black Hornet and the AeroVironment Puma 3 AE. The 61st Artillery Regiment (61e RA) of the French Army can also provide drone-based night observation capabilities if required. In terms of loitering munitions, the French SF are using the AeroVironment Switchblade 300, ordered in 2023, and are awaiting French equipment currently in development, including a drone based on Delair’s UX11, and the container-launched R2-120 Raijin being developed by Fly-R and MBDA.
Concluding remarks
The era of asymmetric warfare against terrorist groups in the Sahel is over, at least temporarily, and France’s SF achieved very significant results in this mission. Yet more than ever, SF operations require discretion and superior firepower. SF are preparing for a more complex potential Ukraine scenario. Recent exercises such as ‘Gorgon’ and now ‘Perseus’ are adapting to this new situation and are also focusing on a previously marginalised aspect – the security and protection of information systems.
Jean François Auran
