Six uncrewed rotorcraft will join fleet by 2028, marking France’s push into autonomous naval surveillance systems.
France has committed to purchasing six VSR700 uncrewed helicopters from Airbus Helicopters and Naval Group, launching serial production of the autonomous rotorcraft after eight years of development.
The French navy will begin operating the drones in 2028 as part of the country’s SDAM naval drone program. The contract follows a framework agreement signed in June 2025 between the two manufacturers and France’s DGA military procurement agency.
The VSR700s will deploy in an intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance configuration, equipped with surveillance radar, electro-optical sensors and an Automatic Identification System receiver to identify vessels at sea. Airbus Helicopters will handle the overall aircraft design and flight-control system, while Naval Group will integrate the drones into ship architecture and connect them with onboard combat systems.
The aircraft, based on the Guimbal Cabri G2 platform, has a maximum takeoff weight of 700 kilograms (1,540 pounds) and can carry a 100-kilogram payload. Beyond its surveillance role for the French navy, the VSR700 can perform cargo transport, armed scout missions and civilian operations including firefighting. Airbus Helicopters displayed a guided-rocket-equipped version at the Paris air show in June.
The manufacturer has demonstrated the VSR700’s ability to operate alongside crewed helicopters using its HTeaming solution, which enables coordinated missions between autonomous and piloted aircraft.
Airbus Helicopters has flown two VSR700 prototypes since launching the program in 2017, conducting multiple sea trials to validate the system’s maritime capabilities. The company plans to offer the rotorcraft to international customers beyond the French navy.
The contract represents France’s latest step in expanding its autonomous military capabilities, adding uncrewed aerial systems to complement traditional naval aviation assets.
Key Takeaways
- France ordered six VSR700 uncrewed helicopters from Airbus Helicopters and Naval Group for delivery to the navy by 2028, marking the transition from development to serial production.
- The drones will perform intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance missions with radar, electro-optical sensors and vessel identification systems.
- The VSR700, based on the Guimbal Cabri G2, has flown since 2017 and can perform multiple missions including cargo transport, armed reconnaissance and firefighting.
- Airbus Helicopters will offer the 700-kilogram rotorcraft to export markets following its French navy deployment.
