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 for 15 Survey Copter Aliaca light tactical uncrewed aerial systems (UAS) from Airbus subsidiary Survey Copter.
These fixed-wing electric drones are intended for maritime surveillance, detection, and identification, significantly enhancing the onboard capabilities of French Navy ships.
This new order builds upon a previous 2020 acquisition and reinforces Survey Copter's role, aligning with Airbus's broader strategic expansion in military drone technology.

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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.”