The French Defence Procurement Agency (DGA) has ordered the vertical takeoff and landing (VTOL) version of Airbus Helicopters’ U010 Aliaca unmanned aerial vehicle, with initial deployments planned for late 2026.
The French Navy will begin deploying the VTOL version of the U010 Aliaca drone on metropolitan support and assistance vessels (BSAMs) in late 2026, followed by overseas support and assistance vessels (BSAOMs) in 2027, according to Airbus Helicopters.
The order follows trials conducted in 2024 and 2025 and is intended to expand the range of vessels capable of operating the drone. Unlike the original version, which uses a catapult for launch and a net for recovery, the VTOL variant can take off and land vertically, reducing the deck space and equipment required for deployment.
The French Navy has operated the fixed-wing U010 Aliaca since 2019, initially using it aboard an offshore patrol vessel. Additional systems were ordered in 2020, with deliveries beginning in 2022 to equip offshore patrol vessels, surveillance frigates and overseas patrol vessels.
The drone provides surveillance beyond a ship's radar horizon and transmits real-time video to the vessel's operations room. Its electro-optical/infrared (EO/IR) sensor turret features 30x optical zoom for day and night observation, supporting maritime security missions, including the monitoring of suspicious vessels and efforts to counter trafficking and illegal fishing.
VTOL variant expands deployment options
The vertical takeoff and landing configuration was developed to address the limitations of deploying the original Aliaca from smaller vessels. Trials conducted by the French Navy's Naval Aviation Practical Trials and Acceptance Centre (CEPA) took place aboard a BSAM that was not originally designed to operate drones.
According to Airbus, the VTOL configuration reduces preflight preparation to a few minutes and allows operations in sea conditions that could prevent safe recovery of the original version using a net.
The modified aircraft features a new wing design and a revised fuselage while retaining core components, including the autopilot and data link. The changes are intended to enable deployment from smaller combatants and support ships, as well as from land-based locations.
The French Defence Procurement Agency's original order covered 34 fixed-wing systems, comprising 68 drones. Airbus said 27 systems had been delivered, with the remaining seven scheduled for delivery before the end of 2026. The agency subsequently requested that all seven outstanding systems be delivered in the VTOL configuration.