France’s defense procurement agency has awarded Airbus Helicopters and Naval Group a production contract for six VSR700 shipborne uncrewed aerial systems, formally transitioning the platform from testing into serial production for the French Navy. The contract enables the deployment of rotary-wing drones capable of extending surface vessels’ surveillance and identification range beyond the horizon. Delivered in an intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance configuration, the VSR700 systems are expected to reach operational status by 2028. Naval Group will oversee integration of the drones into shipboard combat systems through the Steeris Mission System, ensuring interoperability with existing naval architectures. Derived from Hélicoptères Guimbal’s Cabri G2 light helicopter, the VSR700 was developed under the French Navy’s SDAM program and has undergone extensive land-based and maritime testing. Equipped with radar, electro-optical sensors, and AIS receivers, the drone offers up to 10 hours of endurance and autonomous vertical take-off and landing. In addition to military missions, the system can support civil tasks such as disaster relief and firefighting, while Airbus has demonstrated manned-uncrewed teaming using its HTeaming solution.
