Quick decision context for procurement relevance and maturity.
The 'Eurodrone Development and Production Contract' (also known as the 'Stage 2 Global Contract') is a €7.1 billion agreement signed in February 2022 between OCCAR (on behalf of Germany, France, Italy, and Spain) and Airbus Defence & Space GmbH (representing Airbus, Dassault Aviation, and Leonardo). It funds the development, manufacturing, and initial in-service support of 20 systems (each comprising 3 Medium Altitude Long Endurance Remotely Piloted Aircraft Systems, totaling 60 air vehicles) for intelligence, surveillance, reconnaissance (ISR), and battlefield missions. The twin-turboprop UAV aims to provide European strategic autonomy with ITAR-free technology, civil certification readiness, first prototype production in 2024, first flight in 2026, and deliveries starting in 2028-2029.
Signed February 24, 2022 for 20 systems (60 aircraft, 40 GCS)
https://surfeo.eu/eurodrone-program-launch-the-arrival-of-european-drones/