France Signs Agreement With Airbus, Naval Group for Ship-based UAV

The French government has signed a new framework agreement with Airbus Helicopters and Naval Group to acquire uncrewed aerial systems (UAS) designed for naval operations, marking a major step in the development and deployment of the Systèmes de Drone Aérien pour la Marine (SDAM).

The agreement was signed by French Armed Forces Minister Sébastien Lecornu, Airbus Helicopters CEO Bruno Even, and Naval Group Executive Vice President Marie-Laure Bourgeois. It outlines the future acquisition of the SDAM system and creates a path for other nations to join the program through government-to-government deals.

Each SDAM system will be based on Airbus's VSR700 drone platform, which will be integrated with Naval Group’s Steeris Mission System (MS). Naval Group is also tasked with fitting these drone systems onto French Navy frigates.

The Steeris MS, developed through 15 years of research and sea trials, is designed for integration with naval combat systems. Steeris helps control drones from a ship. It lets the crew plan missions, guide the drone, and see all the information it collects—like radar images or video—in real time.

The SDAM program is designed to be open to international partners. The French Armament General Directorate (DGA) has already extended invitations to other nations to join the initiative. Foreign navies would be able to order the same SDAM configuration selected for the French Navy.

The VSR700 drone is equipped for long-endurance maritime surveillance and intelligence operations. It carries a radar, electro-optical system, and Automatic Identification System (AIS) receiver. The drone can take off and land autonomously from ships in rough seas and operate in dense electromagnetic environments.

With over eight hours of flight endurance and the ability to carry three onboard sensors, the VSR700 is expected to expand the French Navy’s situational awareness at sea.