Aarok

Developed by the French company Turgis & Gaillard Groupe, the Aarok is a Medium Altitude Long Endurance (MALE) drone conceived to provide France with a sovereign unmanned combat aerial vehicle. The project commenced in secret in June 2020, supported by the French Armament General Directorate (DGA) but developed entirely on the company's own funds. Assembled in Blois, the prototype was officially unveiled to the public at the Paris Air Show in June 2023. A key engineering goal is to eventually replace all US-sourced components, such as its initial engine, to create a platform free from International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR) restrictions, thereby simplifying future exports. The prototype successfully began ground tests in April 2024, followed by taxiing trials.

Design

The Aarok features a conventional and robust design, characterized by a low-wing monoplane configuration with a 22-meter wingspan and a 14-meter length. Its structure is engineered to be rugged, allowing it to operate from short, semi-prepared runways. Propulsion is initially provided by a single Pratt & Whitney PT6 turboprop engine driving a five-bladed propeller, with plans to integrate a Safran Ardiden 3TP or General Electric Catalyst in the future. The aircraft has a maximum takeoff weight of 5,500 kg and is equipped with a comprehensive sensor suite that can include a large Safran Euroflir 410 or 610 optronic sensor, a Thales multimode radar, and electronic intelligence equipment, all of which can be operated simultaneously.

Armament

Designed for strike missions, the Aarok is equipped with six external hardpoints capable of carrying a total payload of 1,500 kg. Its armament options are versatile, allowing for various mission profiles. Configurations can include up to four 250 kg Safran AASM guided bombs for precision ground attack. For anti-shipping roles, it can be armed with the MBDA Anti-navire léger (ANL) missile. It can also carry anti-tank guided missiles, with compatibility for both the AGM-114 Hellfire and the AKERON MP.

Operational History

As the Aarok has not yet entered service, its operational history is limited to its test program. However, it is designed for a wide range of missions, including intelligence, reconnaissance, and surveillance in high-intensity combat environments, maritime surveillance over Exclusive Economic Zones, and serving as a persistent communications relay node over the battlefield. Its capabilities have garnered significant interest from both the French Air and Space Force and the French Army for various operational requirements. Its projected endurance of over 24 hours makes it a persistent asset for long-duration missions.

Variants

• Ukrainian Variant: A reduced-size, expendable version of the Aarok developed in cooperation with the Ukrainian manufacturer Antonov.