The Directorate-General for Armaments (DGA) announced the signing of five agreements and a framework agreement to strengthen France’s military capacity for drones at the International Air and Space Show in Le Bourget.
In the presence of the Minister of the Armed Forces, the five grant agreements were signed with AURA AERO, Daher, FLY-R, SE Aviation and Turgis Gaillard, major players in French drone innovation, to support the construction of medium altitude, long endurance (MALE) drone demonstrators from 2026.
A framework agreement has been signed with Airbus and Naval Group for the acquisition of six VSR700 systems for the benefit of the National Navy.
In line with the guidelines of the 2024-2030 military programming law, these initiatives are part of an approach to adapt military capabilities to cope with changing threats.
Development of “low cost” MALE drones
Recent high-intensity conflicts have highlighted the need for drones with the following specificities: long endurance at medium altitude (MALE), low cost, modularity, multi-missions, resistance to jamming, rapid deployment capabilities.
MALE drones are drones flying at medium altitude and with great autonomy. They play a key role in modern conflict zones thanks to their major capabilities of reconnaissance, surveillance, intelligence and light attack. These drones are guided remotely by ground-bare operators via satellite links, thus allowing continuous and real-time monitoring of areas of interest.
The signing of these agreements with five emerging and confirmed players marks a decisive step in the acceleration of the Ministry of the Armed Forces’ strategy for MALE drones. By adopting an agile and collaborative approach, these conventions aim to promote emulation between industrialists. They will make it possible to create the best operational solution while respecting time and cost constraints. They will also offer a diversification of options and new prospects for export.
Finally, they materialize the DGA’s commitment to accelerate and amplify projects in favor of a competitive industry in the MALE drone segment, which will benefit our armies.
Framework agreement with Airbus Helicopters and Naval Group for the VSR700 system
As part of the Marine Air Drone System (SDAM) program, the DGA has signed a framework agreement with Airbus Helicopters and Naval Group for the acquisition of six VSR700 systems. These are intended to equip four of the eight multi-mission frigates and two of the five future defense and intervention frigates.
This agreement governs the acquisition of VSR700 systems, for the needs of France and partner countries, as well as contracting in the name and on behalf of the nations concerned.
The VSR700 in its final version will bring unprecedented capacity to the National Navy thanks to its sensors optimized for use in the marine environment. It can be deployed about 150 kilometers from the carrier building with an autonomy of eight hours. It is also capable of taking off and landing completely automatically, including in very rough seas.
This system will significantly increase the aerial capacity for monitoring, detection and identification from the frigates.
