Naval innovation: France orders six Airbus VSR700 unmanned aerial systems

On January 14, 2026, the French Armament General Directorate (DGA) officially contracted Airbus Helicopters and Naval Group to produce six VSR700 uncrewed aerial systems (UAS). These advanced drones are scheduled to enter service with the French Navy starting in 2028.

Key Features and Capabilities

• ISR Configuration: For the French Navy, the VSR700 will be equipped for Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance, featuring surveillance radar, electro-optical systems, and an AIS receiver.

• Ship Integration: Naval Group will integrate the drones into vessel architectures using the Steeris® Mission System, allowing them to communicate directly with ship combat systems.

• Endurance and Versatility: Based on the Cabri G2 airframe, the VSR700 is designed for long-endurance missions. While primarily for ISR, it can be adapted for logistics, armed scouting, or civil roles like firefighting.

• Manned-Unmanned Teaming: The system supports Airbus’s HTeaming solution, allowing the drone to operate in tandem with crewed helicopters to extend a fleet’s operational reach.

Strategic Importance

The contract follows a 2025 agreement signed at the Paris Air Show and marks the transition into serial production. Bruno Even, CEO of Airbus Helicopters, emphasised that a new industrial setup has been established to scale production for both the French military and future export customers.

By deploying the VSR700, the French Navy aims to enhance its maritime sovereignty through superior intelligence gathering and persistent surveillance capabilities.