The French Navy is set to field a serially produced shipborne drone capability following a contract award by France’s defense procurement agency to Airbus Helicopters and Naval Group for six VSR700 uncrewed aerial systems. The deal represents a major milestone, transitioning the VSR700 from experimental use to an operational naval asset.
Configured for ISR missions, the rotary-wing drones will provide persistent over-the-horizon surveillance and identification for French surface vessels. The systems are scheduled to enter operational service by 2028, reinforcing maritime domain awareness and naval decision-making in contested environments.
As part of the program, Naval Group will integrate the VSR700 into ship combat systems using the Steeris Mission System, ensuring full interoperability with existing naval architectures. The uncrewed platform is based on the Cabri G2 helicopter and was matured through trials conducted under the SDAM program, which focused on validating shipborne drone operations for the French Navy.
Airbus confirmed that the VSR700 has completed extensive land and sea trials and features a multi-sensor ISR payload, including radar, electro-optical sensors, and an AIS receiver. With up to 10 hours of endurance, autonomous vertical take-off and landing, and compatibility with manned-uncrewed teaming via HTeaming, the system enhances tactical awareness, search-and-rescue capability, and operational flexibility. Beyond defense use, the VSR700 is also suitable for civil security, disaster relief, and firefighting missions.
