Combat drone platoon of the Chasseurs Ardennais: Belgium pools drone capabilities in new unit

A dedicated combat drone platoon is to provide real-time reconnaissance for ground troops at the Belgian “Chasseurs Ardennais” (Ardennes Hunters) battalion in future. The unit was established at the beginning of 2026; its equipment ranges from quadcopters and Raven to Puma. The formation is thus building up its drone capabilities under its own steam.

The platoon was set up within the battalion only in January of this year. Drone expertise that was previously scattered across the formation is now to be pooled in a specialised unit – with common procedures and operators whose skills are being developed further.

In mid-September, “Rupt’hure” brought the first major test. From 11 to 18 September, the platoon trained side by side with around 700 soldiers from the battalion, joined by units from France for support, reconnaissance and engineer tasks. Between Marche-en-Famenne and Plombières, procedures as well as equipment and operational concepts were tested under conditions as close to reality as possible.

Combat drone platoon as the eyes of the battalion

The drones cover a broad range of tasks. These include securing march routes, scouting passages and crossings, identifying obstacles, analysing targets and supplying ground forces with up-to-date imagery. A situational picture that is as current as possible – that is what the platoon aims to provide the battalion with.

Different systems are used depending on distance and task: at close range, reconnaissance is carried out mainly by quadcopters, while tactical tasks are taken on by drones flown from a first-person view (FPV). Raven and Puma systems complete the portfolio for reconnaissance over medium and longer distances.

Around two years have been allotted for the build-up; after that, the combat drone platoon is to be fully operational. In the short term, three things are the focus: more personnel, the procurement of additional equipment and a higher degree of professionalisation.

Technical tests and three months of integration

Service in the unit is voluntary. Applicants must pass technical tests and demonstrate their motivation. A three-month integration phase then assesses their suitability for drone duty.

Besides technical understanding, what is required above all is the ability to concentrate, precision and resilience: drone operators have to keep technical, meteorological and tactical factors in view at the same time and must remain reliable even under high pressure.

The platoon is only a few months old – and yet its soldiers already bring experience with them, military as well as civilian. “Rupt’hure” therefore served a dual purpose: testing on the one hand, and on the other confirming and adapting existing procedures with an eye to potential for improvement.

Rapid adaptation to new technologies

Switching quickly to new technology and new operational procedures carries particular weight for the unit. To this end, it follows technical developments, evaluates the lessons of current conflicts and exchanges experience with military partners.

Continuously testing new systems, fine-tuning tactics, updating procedures – that is the ambition. The Chasseurs Ardennais are thereby responding to a trend that increasingly shapes the modern battlefield: drones have evolved from a merely supplementary reconnaissance asset into an integral part of tactical operations.