Given the widespread threat posed by drones, such as in the Ukraine conflict, France’s armored forces are currently experimenting with smaller sub-units. Thus the 7th Armoured Brigade, headquartered in Besançon in western France, is testing various deployment formats designed to balance combat power with the danger of being attacked as a “valuable target.” During the Orion 2026 exercise this year, the brigade practiced operating in half-platoons.
In operations, a French tank platoon typically comprises four Leclerc main battle tanks, supported by four light 4×4 reconnaissance vehicles VBL. However, this concentration of combat vehicles constitutes an attractive target on a “glass battlefield,” which, as in Ukraine, is monitored in real time across up to 30 kilometers of depth by drones, giving the enemy immediate options to counterattack.
Combat Lego Bricks Break Through
The brigade commander, Brigadier General Maxime Do Tran, recently spoke in this context of “Lego bricks” from which a unit could be assembled. A team could consist of one Leclerc and one VBL, or an infantry group, forming such a building block. Instead of conventional unit designations, one could think, for example, of twenty such blocks for a breakthrough maneuver.
However, the combination of only two vehicles proved too small for tactical cohesion. Therefore, during Orion 2026 the brigade operated in half-platoons of two Leclerc and two VBL each. Peace restrictions on road marches largely prevented the intended deployment. A challenge for the tank commanders was also the ability to operate independently without the immediate oversight of the platoon leader.
New Platforms, New Composition
Finally, it is questionable whether there are truly “not worthwhile” targets on a battlefield like Ukraine, where dozens of combat drones are sometimes deployed against individual soldiers. While Brigadier General Do Tran continues to regard tanks as indispensable for tactical breakthroughs, the platforms and the composition of sub-units could indeed change as well. A platoon could, for example, consist of a single tank and three motorcycles, or even ten vehicles.
Moreover, platforms should become more modular, for instance enabling the replacement of a tank cannon with a drone-launch or air-defense system. Duel situations between main battle tanks would disappear, with artillery and loitering munitions becoming the main carriers of firepower. Not least, the size of command posts would also need to shrink. During Orion 2026, the 7th Armoured Brigade accordingly divided its command posts into five “Lego bricks.”
A Typical Large Brigade for France
According to French nomenclature, alongside an artillery and pioneer regiment, the brigade comprises three mechanized infantry regiments equipped with the wheeled infantry fighting vehicle VBCI, as well as the 1er régiment de chasseurs and the 5e régiment de dragons. The Chasseurs have three armored squadrons totaling 51 Leclerc tanks and two reconnaissance and assault squadrons mainly equipped with VBL.
The Dragoons are a mixed regiment with three tank squadrons and one reconnaissance and assault squadron, as well as two infantry companies on VBCI and a mixed artillery and pioneer company. In addition, there are a staff and supply squadron and an inactive reserve squadron. Overall, the brigade is typical for France in being quite large, with a strength of around 8,000 soldiers.
