European Military Drone Manufacturers: Industry Overview 2026
European states have accelerated domestic military drone production programmes following operational lessons from Ukraine. This overview examines the principal manufacturers and their current programmes.
Germany
Helsing
The Munich-based defence technology company produces the HX-2 loitering munition, an AI-enabled strike drone with a reported range of 100 kilometres. Ukraine ordered more than 6,000 units, though procurement was paused in early 2026 following reported technical issues during combat operations. Helsing has characterised the operational success rate as «encouraging.»
Rheinmetall
The defence group manufactures reconnaissance and loitering munition systems, and is a partner in counter-drone programmes including the Skyranger 30 turret system.
Airbus Defence and Space
A consortium partner in the Eurodrone (MALE RPAS) programme and manufacturer of tactical unmanned systems.
France
Harmattan AI
Delivered 1,000 cost-controlled combat drones to the French Army in December 2025 under an EU-accelerated procurement process. The contract-to-delivery timeline was completed in months rather than the multi-year schedules typical of traditional defence acquisition.
MBDA
Awarded a contract in January 2026 for the One-Way Effector (OWE) loitering munition programme, with initial deliveries scheduled for mid-2027. Production is planned to scale from 100 units per year to more than 1,000 units per month.
Turgis & Gaillard
Produces tactical reconnaissance drones for French armed forces.
United Kingdom
BAE Systems
Develops unmanned combat air vehicle technology through the Tempest/GCAP programme and related demonstrators.
Tekever
Portuguese-British manufacturer producing the AR series of medium-altitude long-endurance reconnaissance drones, with production facilities in the UK.
Leonardo UK
Manufactures the Awhero rotary-wing unmanned system and provides integration services for unmanned platforms.
Turkey
Baykar
Produces the TB2 Bayraktar medium-altitude tactical drone, which has seen extensive combat use in multiple conflicts. The company is developing the Kızılelma unmanned combat aircraft, a jet-powered platform intended for air-to-air and strike missions.
Sweden
Nordic Air Defence
Develops counter-drone solutions and tactical unmanned systems for Nordic defence requirements.
Portugal
Tekever
Headquarters and primary manufacturing for the AR series reconnaissance drones, with contracts across European and NATO customers.
Multinational Programmes
Eurodrone (MALE RPAS)
A four-nation programme involving Germany, France, Italy, and Spain, managed by OCCAR. The medium-altitude long-endurance platform is valued at €7.1 billion, with first deliveries scheduled for 2030.