The mules, symbol of the Italian Alpini and mountain troops in general, are returning. There are those, like the EU, who are developing a robotic version of it. Others, however, like France, are experiencing their reintroduction in “flesh and blood”. In the first case, the European Defense Agency (EDA) launched the Artus (Autonomous Rough-terrain Transport UGV Swarm) project at the end of December 2020. The idea is to develop a system that provides a substantial additional payload for the military and is capable of operating in harsh environments, including densely wooded or sloping areas.
High-tech mules should operate in groups (swarms) and be able to react autonomously to unexpected developments. The project is managed by a consortium of four companies from three countries (France, Germany and Austria) and is funded by the European Union with 1.5 million euros for a period of two years.
The second case involves the French military, who are testing the reuse of real animals among the mountain forces. These, in fact, disappeared from the regiments in 1975 after their last use in the Algerian War. The protagonists of the new experiment, on the other hand, are called “Victorieux” and “Prunelle”, both of the Poitou breed. For a few days they were placed in the Seventh Battalion of Alpine Hunters (7 ° Bca) of the 27th Mountain Infantry Brigade (27 ° Bim) with excellent results. Each quadruped was able to carry over 120 kilos without problems (of which about forty between harnesses and equipment), more than three times as much as a soldier, adapting immediately to changes in altitude.
In fact, next summer, there are plans to repeat the tests with mortars (80 kilos) and their reintegration is being considered very seriously. The goal for everyone, whether they are live animals or printed circuit boards, is to increase the mobility and flexibility of the units they are assigned to. This is in order to improve their operations. The logistical support, especially during the transport phase, will ensure that the soldiers are less tired and more reactive once they arrive at their destination. Furthermore, at least in the case of robot mules, it also adds more safety for the forces in the event of a clash with enemies, thanks to the protection and immediate maneuverability guaranteed by the systems.
Moreover, Italy was one of the last countries to “retire” military mules. He did so only in 1993 when the baggage departments were abolished. The last specimen of the Alpini, Iroso, died only two years ago as reported Republic, after having been in force in the Cadore Brigade until its dissolution. Germany, on the other hand, has never disposed of them. They are still used today together with horses, in fact, by the Bundeswehr Mountain Infantry Brigade thanks to the Einsatz-und Ausbildungszentrum für Gebirgstragtierwesen 230 and by the special forces. Both at home and on missions abroad such as in Afghanistan or Kosovo.
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