Airbus says discussions are underway on how to evolve the Eurodrone program, which is still in its development stage, in terms of missions and participants, in part to reflect lessons from current conflicts.
The program, which suffered early delays, is now approaching its critical design review, but participants are looking at how the project may need to be adjusted. “There are lots of questions out of the Ukraine conflict,” says Jean-Brice Dumont, Airbus head of air power programs.
Among the issues being explored is whether to focus the twin-engine medium-altitude, long-endurance (MALE) system on maritime roles.
Another issue is whether to include other countries in the partnership that includes France, Germany, Italy and Spain. They have ordered some 20 Eurodrone systems, with each system to feature three air vehicles.
Japan and India have voiced interest in participating. And, Dumont said, “there are other countries knocking at the door and willing to take an observer role, or some of them even jump into a contributing role.”
Even with all that up in the air, “we still target the entry into service at the end of the decade,” Dumont said.
OCCAR MALE RPAS (Eurodrone)Programme - Second Amendment of Stage 2 Signed
#Hallbergmoos, #Germany 24 July 2025 – The second amendment of the “Stage 2 Development, Production and initial In-Service Support Contract” of the MALE-RPAS (Medium Altitude Long Endurance – Remotely Piloted Aircraft System) (Eurodrone)was signed at the OCCAR (Organisation for Joint Armament Co-operation) premises in Hallbergmoos, Germany.
This amendment introduces new features requested by the Participating States in different areas, including mission and armament.
Airbus GmbH and their main partners (Dassault Aviation, Leonardo, Airbus SAU) as well as more than 50 #aeronautic and electronic companies, are developing the system that is currently finalising its detailed design review.
