The French government has ordered the Aliaca VTOL uncrewed aerial system for naval use, with the acquisition managed through Survey Copter, part of Airbus Helicopters.
Known within the French Navy as SMDM, the VTOL version of Aliaca was developed in under a year using technology derived from an already proven fixed-wing system. First revealed in April 2025, deliveries are planned to start in May 2026, positioning the French Navy as the launch operator of the VTOL configuration.
This latest order builds on France’s earlier purchase of 34 Aliaca fixed-wing drones since 2022.
Aliaca currently serves as the Navy’s “remote binoculars,” operating from patrol vessels and surveillance frigates to extend maritime awareness. Since 2023, it has also supported coastal search-and-rescue missions along the English Channel.
The VTOL variant is intended to expand operational flexibility by enabling deployment from a wider range of ships and land sites. Capable of vertical launch and recovery before transitioning to forward flight, the system supports missions ranging from maritime surveillance to law-enforcement and security operations.
Weighing up to 25 kilograms, the drone features a 3.5-meter wingspan and 2.1-meter fuselage, offering an endurance of up to two hours and a 50-kilometer radius. Its sensor suite includes electro-optical and infrared cameras and an AIS receiver for vessel detection.
By removing catapults and arresting systems, the VTOL design significantly reduces logistical requirements while remaining compatible with existing French Navy ground control infrastructure.
