France Launches Industrialization of the PROTEUS Standard 2 Anti-Drone System

 The French army is taking a new step in modernizing its anti-drone capabilities with the industrialization of the PROTEUS Standard 2 system. Developed based on repurposed AA53 T2 20mm anti-aircraft guns mounted on a 53T2 towed carriage, this system was quickly developed to address the growing threat of light aerial targets and swarms of drones. 

After its initial deployment in early 2025 to the 35th Parachute Artillery Regiment (35e RAP), the French Directorate General of Armaments (DGA) launched a competitive procurement process on February 23, 2025 to industrialize the production of this updated version. This initiative marks significant progress in adapting existing weapons into a system that meets modern operational requirements.

The main armament of the PROTEUS is a 20-mm cannon with a rate of fire of 700 rounds per minute and an effective firing range of 1,500 meters, complemented by a SANDRA thermal imaging camera and an advanced fire control system

SEA Program: A new stage in the improvement of Stryker armor protection

 

Military equipment is constantly being improved to ensure battlefield superiority and protect personnel. In this context, the recent announcement by the Ground Vehicle Systems Center (GVSC) of the U.S. Army Combat Capabilities Development Command (DEVCOM) on the transfer of the Stryker Advanced Armor (SEA) program to General Dynamics Land Systems (GDLS) is an important step in modernizing one of the key platforms of the U.S. Army.

The SEA program is designed to enhance the protection of the Stryker fleet of vehicles, which have been the backbone of the mobility and combat power of the American army for many years. These armored vehicles are used in a wide range of tasks, from reconnaissance to transportation of personnel and support of ground operations. However, modern threats such as anti-tank mines, missiles and other types of weapons require constant updating of defensive systems. The SEA program is designed to solve this problem by offering innovative solutions to increase the survival rate of vehicles and their crews.

The transfer of the GDLS project means that the program has entered its critical phase – the stage of practical implementation and integration of new technologies into existing platforms. This decision underscores DEVCOM's trust in GDLS' expertise in the production and modernization of military equipment.

General Dynamics Land Systems has many years of experience working on projects related to the modernization of armored vehicles. Over the next six months, the company will conduct a system functional review (SFR), which will be a key stage in assessing the readiness of the new technology for implementation. This process includes a comprehensive review of armor designs, integration methods, and analysis of strength test data provided by GVSC.

The main aspects of the assessment will be:

1. Armor Design Effectiveness: Engineers will analyze the ability of new materials and designs to withstand modern threats such as mine explosions or kinetic projectiles.

2. Integration Methods: One of the main challenges is to maintain a balance between adding additional protection and maintaining Stryker's agility and mobility. Successful integration of the new armor elements should minimize the impact on vehicle characteristics such as speed and fuel consumption.

3. Test Data Analysis: The research conducted by GVSC will provide valuable insights into the robustness and reliability of new solutions. These data will help determine the optimal parameters for the introduction of technology into mass production.

The successful completion of SFR will set the stage for the subsequent implementation of improved armor in future Stryker platforms. This will not only increase the level of protection of military personnel, but also increase the overall effectiveness of vehicles in combat conditions. The increased security will allow Stryker to perform more complex tasks in high-risk areas where previously it might have been difficult.

In addition, the SEA program demonstrates DEVCOM's approach to adapting technologies to the changing conditions of modern conflicts. The U.S. Army is actively investing in the development of defense systems to maintain leadership in the field of land weapons.

The integration of SEA into Stryker platforms is only the first step in a large–scale modernization process. Further development of this technology can be expected in the future, including the use of new materials such as composites or active protection systems that can intercept or neutralize incoming projectiles.

It is also worth noting that the successful implementation of the SEA program can become an example for other military equipment modernization programs. Similar approaches can be used to improve the performance of other types of armored vehicles, such as tanks or infantry fighting vehicles.

The SEA program represents significant progress in the protection of land-based equipment. Its transition to GDLS marks the beginning of a new implementation phase that can significantly enhance the capabilities of Stryker machines. Thanks to the close cooperation between GVSC and GDLS, the US Army continues to move forward, providing its military personnel with the best means of protection and support in modern conflicts. The future of ground-based technology is becoming safer and more efficient thanks to such initiatives.