The French Army’s Technical Section (STAT) has unveiled the “PROTEUS Standard 1,” a rapid modernization of the AA53 T2 single-barrel 20mm automatic gun. Completed in just four months, this upgrade demonstrates France’s urgent response to the rising threat of drones and loitering munitions dominating modern battlefields.
Originally developed during the Cold War era, the AA53 served for decades as a reliable short-range air defense weapon, firing 20x139mm NATO rounds at up to 720 rounds per minute. Mounted on vehicles, tripods, or defensive positions, it provided anti-aircraft and light anti-vehicle firepower across multiple roles.
The PROTEUS Standard 1 delivers a complete fire-control overhaul. Equipped with a stabilized TV/IR camera, a digital ballistic computer, and an inertial navigation system, the platform now achieves three times the accuracy of its predecessor. This allows cost-effective engagement of drones under all weather conditions, day and night.
The first deliveries are being made to the elite 35th Parachute Artillery Regiment in Tarbes, where operational feedback will shape future deployment plans.
This initiative aligns with a wider international trend. In Ukraine, Soviet-era ZU-23-2 cannons are repurposed for counter-drone roles; Israel is evaluating the M61 Vulcan as a ground-based drone-killer; and Turkey has upgraded its Aselsan SARP remote weapon stations with drone-tracking software and programmable ammunition. The shared philosophy is clear: adapt proven gun systems with modern sensors to create affordable, sustainable counter-UAS capabilities.
What sets PROTEUS apart is France’s structured and institutional approach. Bridging the gap between handheld anti-drone rifles and expensive missile interceptors, PROTEUS offers a permanent, reusable solution for base defense, mobile artillery protection, and frontline operations.
By prioritizing affordability, scalability, and survivability, PROTEUS reflects a new generation of battlefield innovation—one tailored not for prestige, but for resilience in drone-saturated conflicts.
