The French Ministry for the Armed Forces has signed a strategic framework agreement with Airbus Helicopters and Naval Group for the acquisition and integration of VSR700 uncrewed aerial systems under the SDAM (Système de Drone Aérien pour la Marine) programme.
The agreement was formalized by French Defence Minister Sébastien Lecornu, Airbus Helicopters CEO Bruno Even, and Naval Group Executive VP Marie-Laure Bourgeois. The VSR700 UAS, developed by Airbus, will be integrated aboard French Navy frigates using Naval Group’s Steeris® Mission System.
Enhancing French Naval ISR Capabilities
The France SDAM programme VSR700 drone integration represents a major leap in the Navy’s Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance (ISR) capabilities. The serial version of the VSR700—which has been tested onboard the FREMM-class frigate La Provence—will feature:
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A high-performance radar
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Electro-optical sensors
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Automatic Identification System (AIS) receiver
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Over 8 hours of endurance
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Autonomous takeoff and landing from naval vessels, even in rough sea conditions
This UAS is also built to operate in dense electromagnetic environments while carrying multiple payloads.
Official Comments
Bruno Even, CEO of Airbus Helicopters, remarked:
“This framework agreement is a key milestone for the VSR700 programme. With our partners, we’ve demonstrated its sea-based capabilities, including successful operations from French Navy frigates.”
Naval Group CEO Pierre Eric Pommellet added:
“This agreement reflects Naval Group’s expertise in drone integration aboard surface ships and our commitment to enhancing the operational readiness of our client navies.”
A Path for International Partners
The framework agreement also opens the door for partner nations to join the SDAM programme. Under government-to-government arrangements facilitated by France’s Armament General Directorate (DGA), other countries will be able to procure the VSR700 in the same configuration as the French Navy.
