The French Aeronautical Maintenance Directorate has ordered four additional U050 Capa-X systems from Airbus Helicopters following successful trials of an initial system acquired in late 2025.
Each system comprises two unmanned aircraft, bringing the new order to eight drones. Two systems will be allocated to the French Navy and two to the French Army under the Light Tactical Drone System evaluation programme. Deliveries are scheduled for 2027.
During land and maritime trials in 2025 and early 2026, the U050 demonstrated seven-hour endurance, a 100-kilometre operating range and the ability to carry two payloads simultaneously. Its complete support equipment can be transported on two pickup trucks, limiting its logistical footprint.
The 120-kilogram modular aircraft can carry payloads of up to 20 kilograms and offers a maximum endurance of ten hours. The initial configuration combines an electro-optical pod for imagery intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance with signals-intelligence equipment.
Airbus said the platform can be rapidly reconfigured and upgraded with additional capabilities as operational requirements evolve. The order moves the U050 Capa-X programme into its initial operational phase.
This post was published on 10 September 2026 18:09
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