Army Capability Overview 2021

In 2021, the French Army is continuing its capability transformation, initiated with the 2019-2025 Military Planning Act (LPM), in a context of global strategic restructuring marked by competition between powers, the return of high-intensity conflicts, and the persistence of hybrid threats. This process is part of the ambition to strengthen a comprehensive, responsive, resilient, and interoperable army model.

A Transforming "In-Contact" Army Model


Since 2016, the "In-Contact" model has structured the Army around six major operational functions: Command, Intelligence, Fires, Support, Protection, and Logistics. In 2021, this architecture is being consolidated and adapted to meet new operational challenges, particularly through the SCORPION program.
This program, the cornerstone of modernization, aims to renew land combat capabilities, with the gradual introduction of new-generation vehicles (Griffon, Jaguar, Serval), and the digital networking of tactical units via the SICS (SCORPION Combat Information System). This equipment enables real-time collaborative combat, increasing the responsiveness and lethality of forces.



A Key Role in Air-Land Combat


The ALAT performs several strategic missions:
  • Reconnaissance and surveillance using its Gazelle Viviane and Tiger HAD helicopters.
  • Fire support using the Tiger, a modern, multi-role attack helicopter.
  • Mobility and evacuation using maneuver helicopters such as the Cougar and the NH90 Caiman.
  • Supporting troops in contact, in degraded environments, day and night.
It acts as a force multiplier for combined-arms combat, in high-intensity or asymmetric engagements.


Evolving Hardware Capabilities


In 2021, several major capability developments affected the ALAT:


  • Tiger HAD (support-destruction) helicopter: currently in service with the 5th RHC (Pau) and the 1st RHC (Phalsbourg), this helicopter is receiving ongoing updates, pending its modernization by 2029 as part of the Tiger Mk3 program, conducted through European cooperation.


  • NH90 Caïman TTH: a modern tactical transport helicopter, it continues to gain prominence in units, gradually replacing the Puma. It provides increased capabilities in troop transport, medical evacuation, and airborne assault.


  • Gazelle Viviane: in service for several decades, it is still used for reconnaissance and light support missions, pending its replacement.

Unit Strengthening and Interoperability

The combat helicopter regiments (RHC) are adapting their organization and training to the SCORPION doctrine. Collaborative combat is now integrated into airmobile maneuvers, with a digital link between helicopters, ground troops, artillery, and intelligence systems.

ALAT is also strengthening its interoperability with NATO allies, as demonstrated by multinational exercises (e.g., Baccarat, Orion) and overseas operations (particularly in the Sahel as part of Operation Barkhane, where helicopters are essential in hostile desert areas).



High-Intensity Preparation

In 2021, the ALAT is working on adapting its formats and resources to a potential high-intensity conflict. This involves:
  • Logistical resilience in degraded environments.
  • Increased platform protection against surface-to-air threats.
  • The ability to sustain operations in depth, in direct or autonomous support.
  • Enhanced training in electronic warfare and the integration of drones into tactical bubbles.
The intensification of exercises and the return to intensive training aim to maintain a high level of operational readiness.

Conclusion

In 2021, the ALAT is establishing itself as an essential component of land maneuver. Constantly modernizing, it combines firepower, agility, and intelligence capabilities to support tactical command. Its capability evolution, centered around the Tiger Mk3, NH90, Patroller, and SCORPION programs, aims to prepare French forces for the challenges of future conflicts, including high-intensity engagements.


I would like to particularly thank the army personnel for their accessibility and kindness, without their accreditations some photos would not have been possible !

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