French defense SMEs Lacroix, Bertin Technologies and MC2 Technologies unveiled an extended counter-drone configuration of the S-KAPS active protection system at Eurosatory 2026 on June 15, 2026, framing it as a fully sovereign French answer to top-attack drone threats targeting NATO armoured forces.
From laser warning to multi-sensor C-UAS
S-KAPS began in 2016 as Lacroix's AOS laser-warning architecture, automatically linking laser detectors to a masking system through a dedicated control unit. The new configuration retains that backbone but plugs in two new detection layers tuned for unmanned threats: MC2 Technologies' HADDES portable RF drone-detection sensor — which continuously monitors the electromagnetic environment without emitting any signal — and Bertin Technologies' PeriSight Top Attack 360° passive infrared optronic chain.
Soft-kill protective bubble
The system is built around a next-generation generic computing unit running protection algorithms that fuse the RF, infrared, laser and Metravib Pilar acoustic feeds, then propose the most suitable countermeasure sequence. "By combining multi-sensor analysis and drone interception, this new technological component of the S-KAPS system provides armoured forces with a comprehensive and modular protective bubble, tailored to the asymmetric threats of modern operational theatres," said a Lacroix statement.
Inside a French counter-drone wave
The reveal is part of a broader French counter-UAS push at Eurosatory 2026 that also includes Electro Optic Systems' €10 million Nice C2 AI hub announcement with newly acquired MARSS, AeroVironment's HALO Shield demonstration, and the DRONE VOLT dual-use line-up.
Reporting based on coverage from Unmanned Airspace, EDR Magazine, GICAT and Lacroix Defense press communications.