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

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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 with Survey Copter, an Airbus subsidiary, for 15 Aliaca light tactical uncrewed aerial systems (UAS), totaling 30 aircraft.
These fixed-wing electric UAS will be delivered starting this year to enhance the French Navy's maritime surveillance, detection, and identification capabilities on new and existing ships.
This latest acquisition builds on a 2020 order and signifies the French Navy's continued reliance on the Aliaca system.
The order aligns with Airbus's strategic expansion into the military drone sector, following the launch of a dedicated business line and an intent to acquire Aerovel.

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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.”