Photo: Airbus Helicopters The French Armament General Directorate (DGA) has placed an order with
Airbus Helicopters and Naval Group for the production of six VSR700 uncrewed aerial systems, which will enter service with the French Navy from 2028. The award marks the transition of the VSR700 from a development programme into full serial manufacture, supporting France’s naval aviation modernisation plans.
Bruno Even, CEO, Airbus Helicopters, said: “We are honoured that the French Ministry for the Armed Forces has decided to launch the next phase of the VSR700 programme with serial production for France and future export customers within the frame of the agreement signed at the
Paris Air Show 2025. Airbus Helicopters is fully committed to delivering this much-needed operational capability. Our teams are focused on providing the French Navy with a reliable, high-performance tool that enhances their sovereignty and mission success.
“To ensure the success of this next chapter, we have established a new industrial setup specifically designed for serial production. This structure allows us to adapt to the specificities of the UAS market and to scale efficiently while maintaining the highest standards of aeronautical safety and performance.”
The VSR700 units for France will be supplied in an Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance (ISR) configuration. Each system will include a surveillance radar, electro‑optical suite and AIS (Automatic Identification System) receiver. Naval Group will oversee integration of the aircraft and its mission suite with the host vessel’s architecture, ensuring full connectivity with the ship’s combat management system using its Steeris Mission System.
Based on the Hélicoptères Guimbal Cabri G2, the VSR700 is a dual‑use uncrewed platform designed to operate alongside manned helicopters and extend a ship’s ability to gather intelligence over long periods. The naval variant has been developed in partnership with Naval Group under the French Navy and DGA’s SDAM (Système de drone aérien de la Marine) programme and has undergone extensive flight testing both ashore and at sea.
Although the French Navy will employ the system primarily for ISR roles, Airbus notes that the VSR700 can be fitted with a wide range of long‑range sensors and is capable of supporting multiple mission types, from maritime and land‑based armed scout duties to logistics tasks. The aircraft also has potential civil applications in firefighting and disaster‑relief scenarios. Airbus has demonstrated its ability to operate in combination with crewed rotorcraft through the company’s HTeaming concept.