On Friday, January 16, 2026, The French Armament General Directorate (Direction générale de l’Armement, DGA), under the Ministry of the Armed Forces, placed an order with Airbus Helicopters (part of Airbus SE) and Naval Group for six serial-production VSR700 shipborne uncrewed helicopters under the SDAM (Système de Drone Aérien Marine) program. The systems are scheduled to be delivered to the French Navy (Marine nationale) starting in 2028.
Photo: Airbus Helicopters
“We are honored 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 in 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,” said Bruno Even, CEO of Airbus Helicopters. “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,” he added
Previously, the French Navy (Marine nationale) tested two VSR700 prototypes under the SDAM system. The technology demonstrator made its maiden flight on November 8, 2019, and a second prototype was ordered on April 15, 2021. Trials were conducted, among others, from the deck of the Provence (D652) missile frigate of the Aquitaine-class (FREMM) program, as well as in HTeaming cooperation with the FlightLab flying laboratory built on the H130 platform (previously designated Eurocopter EC130).
The SDAM system consists of the VSR700 (Vertivision Surveillance Rotorcraft 700) light uncrewed helicopter, derived from the Cabri G2, a two-seat helicopter developed by Hélicoptères Guimbal. The helicopter measures 6.31 m in length, 1.24 m in width, and 2.37 m in height, with a main rotor diameter of 7.2 m. Its maximum takeoff weight is 700 kg. By comparison, the uncrewed variant’s takeoff weight increased to 760 kg, while the length was reduced to 6.2 m and the height to 2.28 m. Endurance exceeds 10 hours with a 100 kg payload, and the operational range is 150 km.
The uncrewed helicopter operates with the I4Drones mission system developed by Naval Group, which is also responsible for integrating the system aboard naval vessels. The project additionally involves French small and medium-sized enterprises, including Hélicoptères Guimbal and Diades.
The vertical takeoff and landing (VTOL) UAV program was initiated during the Euronaval 2016 international defense exhibition (October 17–21) in Le Bourget near Paris. Airbus Helicopters is responsible for delivering the platform, communications, control systems, and payload-carrying solutions.
The primary missions of the VSR700 will include Intelligence, Surveillance, Target Acquisition, and Reconnaissance (ISTAR), enabled by an optoelectronic sensor turret and an onboard radar. The systems are intended to operate from the decks of next-generation missile frigates of the Belharra-class.
During the Paris Air Show 2017 in June 2017, a concept was presented for integrating the VSR700 with a Thales sonobuoy module (to support anti-submarine warfare missions), a Survitec RFD life raft, and an optoelectronic sensor payload.
The French Ministry for the Armed Forces has decided to launch the next phase of the VSR700 programme. In partnership with Naval Group, we will produce and deliver six #VSR700 uncrewed aerial systems in an ISR configuration. https://t.co/AuXYQGHb0t
— Airbus Helicopters (@AirbusHeli) January 16, 2026
