According to Le Point, France is forming a robotic combat unit that could take over some of the functions normally performed by an infantry company or a cavalry squadron. The project is called Pendragon.

The publication reported that the program has been underway since 2025 under the supervision of the AMIAD agency, the Future Combat Command and representatives of the defense industry. Developers plan to present the URC robotic combat unit in the summer of 2027. It is expected to include around ten ground robotic platforms and about 60 drones.

Lieutenant Colonel Christophe said the idea is to avoid putting 120–130 servicemen at risk by sending robots and unmanned aerial vehicles instead, controlled remotely by about 15 soldiers positioned in the rear.

Le Point also noted that testing is taking place at the Saint-Cyr-Coetquidan military training ground in the Morbihan department. Specialists are now conducting the third phase of trials, focused on the interaction between ground robots and drones, as well as the use of artificial intelligence to control a combat group.

According to the publication, the key element of the system will be the AI-based C2 Pendragon command platform. It is designed to coordinate the robotic assets. In the future, the ground platforms could be equipped with various weapons, including machine guns and containers with remotely controlled munitions. The system will also include reconnaissance and strike drones. The decision to use weapons will remain with a human operator.