French Navy Orders Fleet of Small Airbus Maritime Drones

The Aliaca uncrewed surveillance system provides airborne surveillance, detection, and identification capabilities for high seas patrol boats and surveillance frigates.

Kimberly Johnson

Monday, February 05, 2024 at 04:38 PM ET

Verified

The Aliaca light tactical uncrewed aerial systems provide airborne surveillance, detection, and identification capabilities for high seas patrol boats and surveillance frigates. [Courtesy: Survey Copter]

Key Takeaways:

The French Navy has placed an additional order for 15 Survey Copter Aliaca light tactical uncrewed aerial systems (UAS), totaling 30 aircraft, along with associated training and support.
This new order builds upon a previous 2020 procurement and aims to equip new ships and enhance the French Navy's maritime surveillance, detection, and identification capabilities.
The Aliaca UAS serves as "remote field glasses" for high seas patrol boats and surveillance frigates, reinforcing the French Navy's operational effectiveness at sea.
This contract further solidifies Airbus subsidiary Survey Copter's role as a key supplier and aligns with Airbus's broader strategy to expand its military drone business.

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The French Navy has placed an additional order for a fleet of Survey Copter Aliaca light tactical uncrewed aerial systems (UAS) for maritime surveillance, according to Airbus Defense and Space.

Survey Copter—an Airbus subsidiary— signed a firm order with the French Defense Procurement Agency (DGA) for 15 onboard systems (30 aircraft) of Aliaca fixed-wing electric UAS, plus associated training and integrated logistics support for the French Navy, the company announced Monday. The company said deliveries of the systems will begin this year and “will be used to equip new ships and ship types, and to enhance their onboard capabilities.”