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Airbus' helicopters unit wins drone contract from French Navy

Published by Global Banking & Finance Review

Posted on January 16, 2026

1 min read

· Last updated: January 19, 2026

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Airbus' helicopters unit wins drone contract from French Navy
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Jan 16 (Reuters) - Airbus' helicopters division and defence firm Naval Group have won a contract from France's defence procurement agency to make six VSR700 drones for the French Navy, the aerospace

Airbus Secures Drone Contract with French Navy for VSR700 Drones

Airbus and Naval Group's New Drone Contract

Jan 16 (Reuters) - Airbus' helicopters division and defence firm Naval Group have won a contract from France's defence procurement agency to make six VSR700 drones for the French Navy, the aerospace group said on Friday.

Contract Details

Financial details of the deal, which follows a framework agreement signed last June, were not disclosed. 

Capabilities of the VSR700

The six drones will be operated from 2028 by the French Navy, Airbus said in a statement.

The VSR700 is a dual-use uncrewed aerial system that complements ships for intelligence, surveillance, targeting and reconnaissance purposes.

(Reporting by Gianluca Lo Nostro in Gdansk; Editing by Milla Nissi-Prussak)

Key Takeaways

  • Airbus and Naval Group win contract for VSR700 drones.
  • Contract involves six drones for the French Navy.
  • Drones to be operational from 2028.
  • VSR700 enhances intelligence and surveillance.
  • Financial details of the contract undisclosed.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a drone?
A drone is an uncrewed aerial vehicle (UAV) that can be remotely controlled or fly autonomously using software-controlled flight plans.
What is the purpose of surveillance drones?
Surveillance drones are used for gathering intelligence, monitoring activities, and conducting reconnaissance missions without putting human lives at risk.

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