The French Army is rapidly increasing its defence capability against unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), one of the biggest threats on the modern battlefield. In just four months, the Technical Department of the Land Forces (STAT) completed the development of the PROTEUS Standard 1 system, a modernised version of the AA53 T2 20 mm automatic cannon. This rapid modernisation process was reinforced by the successful firing tests carried out recently.
35. Parachute Artillery Regiment Takes New Step in UAV Defence
The 1st Parachute Artillery Regiment, the first unit to be equipped with PROTEUS Standard 35 systems, conducted live-fire trials at Canjuers on 18 October 2025. These trials confirmed a new phase in the regiment’s preparations for short-range, troop-level UAV defence. This development demonstrates the adaptation of front-line units to the cost-effective, fast and easy-to-wear air threats that characterise modern ground warfare.
According to Army Recognition, the fielding of PROTEUS Standard 1 is crucial for force protection in domestic and expeditionary operations, where UAVs are increasingly targeting logistics, artillery and command posts.
Modernisation: AA53 to High Precision PROTEUS
The PROTEUS project modernises the AA53 automatic cannon, which was introduced to the French army in the post-World War II period and stands out with its mechanical reliability, and makes it suitable for today’s threats. The original AA53 gun was a 20×139 mm NATO calibre weapon designed to counter anti-aircraft and light armoured vehicles, capable of firing 720 rounds per minute.
PROTEUS Standard 1 transforms the legacy AA53 T2 system into a low-cost, short-range solution against today’s intense UAV threat. The modernisation includes a comprehensive overhaul of the fire control system (ACS). STAT has integrated a stabilised TV and infrared camera, digital ballistic calculator and inertial navigation system. Thanks to these technological improvements, it is stated that the accuracy of the original platform has been increased exactly 3 times. As a result, PROTEUS Standard 1 has entered the inventory of the French army as a precision anti-UAV weapon system that can be used in all weather conditions, day and night.
