Overview
- France’s DGA awarded Airbus Helicopters and Naval Group a production contract for six VSR700 uncrewed systems configured with maritime radar, an electro‑optical sensor and an AIS receiver.
- The drones are planned to enter French Navy service in 2028 as part of the SDAM program transitioning from demonstrator to serial production.
- Naval Group will handle functional and physical integration using its STEERIS mission system and STEERIS COMMAND containerized centers to link flight operations and sensor data with ship combat systems.
- The VSR700, derived from the Cabri G2, offers around eight hours of endurance with up to 220 kg payload and has validated autonomous deck operations in 2023 sea trials conducted in high winds off Brittany.
- The DGA also contracted five CAMCOPTER S‑100F systems for FREMM frigates on December 29, 2025, with the first frigate expected to receive modifications to accommodate the drones by the end of this summer.