France’s defense procurement agency has awarded Airbus Helicopters and Naval Group a production contract for six VSR700 shipborne uncrewed aerial systems, transitioning the program from demonstration to serial production. The rotary-wing drones will equip the French Navy with extended beyond-horizon surveillance and identification capabilities and are scheduled to become operational by 2028. Delivered in an intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance configuration, the VSR700 will be integrated into naval vessels by Naval Group, ensuring interoperability with onboard combat systems through the Steeris Mission System. The platform is derived from Hélicoptères Guimbal’s Cabri G2 helicopter and was developed under the French Navy’s SDAM program. According to Airbus, the system has undergone extensive land and maritime testing. Equipped with radar, electro-optical sensors, and an AIS receiver, the VSR700 offers up to 10 hours of endurance and autonomous vertical take-off and landing. Beyond military ISR roles, the system can also support civil missions such as firefighting and disaster relief. Airbus has additionally demonstrated manned-uncrewed teaming using its HTeaming solution, enabling crewed helicopters to extend operational reach while reducing risk.
