Defense & Military
France Orders Six Airbus VSR700 Drones for Navy Frigates
France orders six Airbus VSR700 uncrewed aerial systems for naval ISR, with delivery by 2028 and integration on FREMM and FDI frigates.
This article is based on an official press release from Airbus.
The French Armament General Directorate (DGA) has officially placed an order for six VSR700 Uncrewed Aerial Systems (UAS), marking a significant milestone in the modernization of the French Navy’s aerial capabilities. Confirmed on January 16, 2026, this contract initiates the serial production phase of the SDAM program (Système de Drone Aérien pour la Marine).
According to the official announcement from Airbus, the systems will be delivered and are scheduled to enter service by 2028. The procurement involves a collaboration between two major defense contractors: Airbus Helicopters, responsible for the aircraft and flight control systems, and Naval Group, which handles the mission systems and ship integration.
This order follows a framework agreement signed previously at the Paris Air Show in June 2025, solidifying the transition from development and risk reduction to operational deployment. The VSR700 is designed to serve as a primary intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) asset, extending the detection horizon of French naval vessels.
The VSR700 is a vertical take-off and landing (VTOL) drone derived from the Guimbal Cabri G2, a proven two-seat civilian helicopter. By utilizing a certified civilian airframe, the program aims to lower operating costs while maintaining high reliability. The drone is powered by a Thielert Centurion 2.0 diesel engine, which utilizes heavy fuel (JP-5/JP-8), ensuring compatibility with standard naval logistics.
According to technical specifications released regarding the program, the VSR700 offers the following performance metrics:
A critical requirement for the SDAM program is the ability to operate in rough maritime environments. Airbus states that the VSR700 features an Autonomous Take-Off and Landing (ATOL) system capable of functioning in conditions up to Sea State 5. The aircraft utilizes the Airbus DeckFinder system, which enables precision landings with 10-20 cm accuracy on moving decks without relying on GPS.
The systems will be integrated into the French Navy’s primary surface combatants, specifically the FREMM (Aquitaine-class) and FDI (Amiral Ronarc’h-class) frigates. Naval Group provides the Steeris® Mission System, which feeds drone data directly into the ship’s Combat Management System (CMS), allowing the crew to process drone intelligence seamlessly alongside onboard sensor data.
“We are honored that the French Ministry for the Armed Forces has decided to launch the next phase of the VSR700 programme… Our teams are focused on providing the French Navy with a reliable, high-performance tool that enhances their sovereignty and mission success.”
, Bruno Even, CEO of Airbus Helicopters
The confirmation of this order represents a push for sovereign French defense capabilities. The DGA has indicated that the SDAM program is open to other nations via government-to-government contracts, positioning the VSR700 as a potential export product for allied navies requiring shipborne UAS capabilities.
While the current contract covers six units, the French Military Planning Law (LPM) has outlined a medium-term requirement for 15 systems to fully equip the fleet. The program has a long development history, beginning as a risk-reduction study in 2017, followed by extensive sea trials aboard the frigate Provence and civilian vessels between 2020 and 2023.
We view this order as a critical step in the operationalization of Manned-Unmanned Teaming (MUM-T). Beyond simple ISR, Airbus has been developing “HTeaming,” a concept unveiled in June 2025 that allows crews in manned helicopters, such as the NH90 or H160, to control the VSR700 directly from the cockpit.
This capability transforms the drone into a “loyal wingman” for naval aviation, allowing manned aircraft to send the VSR700 into contested or dangerous airspace to scout ahead, thereby preserving human life and high-value manned assets. Trials conducted with the Spanish Navy using an H135 helicopter suggest that this modular interoperability will be a key selling point for future export customers.
By securing a domestic launch customer in the French Navy, Airbus and Naval Group have validated the system’s maturity, likely accelerating interest from international buyers looking to expand their anti-surface and anti-submarine warfare envelopes without increasing their manned fleet size.
Sources: Airbus Press Release
France Orders Six Airbus VSR700 Uncrewed Aerial Systems for Navy Frigates
Operational Capabilities and Naval Integration
Autonomous Systems and Ship Compatibility
Strategic Context and Future Development
AirPro News Analysis: The Rise of Manned-Unmanned Teaming
Sources
Photo Credit: Airbus