Counter-drone defence from the air: France relies on Tiger, Rafale and Hellfire from the Reaper

France is currently pressing ahead with the expansion of its airborne counter-drone defence. A recently released video shows Iranian drones being successfully engaged by Rafale fighter jets and Tiger attack helicopters. In addition, tests were held for the first time in which drones were intercepted by missiles that had themselves been fired from other drones.

The French Army only recently deployed four Tiger attack helicopters to the Gulf region – primarily to counter threats from Iranian Shahed drones there. The helicopters are integrated into a networked defence system in which sensors, combat aircraft and ground-based air defence work together. The footage now released suggests that this interaction is already working: approaching drones were successfully engaged by both Tiger helicopters and Rafale jets.

France has released footage of its Eurocopter Tiger attack helicopters and Rafale fighters hunting down and destroying Iranian drones over the Middle East during the Iran war. pic.twitter.com/MqsNoRQYln— OSINTtechnical (@Osinttechnical) April 10, 2026

Counter-drone defence by Hellfire – launched from a drone

Current tests taking an unusual approach are also attracting attention: Hellfire missiles are being trialled for counter-drone defence, launched not from helicopters but from drones. For this purpose, an MQ-9 Reaper received a modified AGM-114 Hellfire and used it successfully against a simulated aerial target.

The French Ministry of Defence speaks of an important step: only three months after the Hellfire was integrated on the Reaper, it was possible to extend the scope of the missile, originally developed against ground targets. The result is a new capability with which the growing drone threat can be countered comparatively cost-effectively.