Eurodrone (MALE RPAS)

The Eurodrone (MALE RPAS) is a European medium altitude long endurance remotely piloted aircraft system developed by Airbus, Dassault Aviation, and Leonardo for Germany, France, Italy, and Spain to provide sovereign ISTAR capabilities, enabling safe operations in non-segregated airspace and securing European technological independence in unmanned systems. Launched in 2016 and managed by OCCAR, the program has advanced through preliminary and critical design reviews completed by mid-2024, transitioning to prototype production with first flight expected mid-2027 and serial delivery targeted by the end of the decade, though facing delays, cost increases, and potential French withdrawal. Strategically, it enhances European defense autonomy, supports future operations like FCAS, and counters reliance on foreign UAVs, with orders for 60 platforms (Germany 21, Italy 15, France/Spain 12 each).