Eurodrone

The European Medium Altitude Long Endurance Remotely Piloted Aircraft System (MALE RPAS), designated Eurodrone, is a twin-turboprop unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) under development by Airbus, Dassault Aviation, and Leonardo. Initiated in May 2015 by France, Germany, and Italy, the program is managed by the Organisation for Joint Armament Cooperation (OCCAR). Spain joined the program during the initial study phase. A development and production contract for 20 systems—comprising 60 total aircraft—was approved in February 2022. The prototype first flight is scheduled for mid-2027, with final assembly and ground testing located at the Airbus facility in Manching, Germany.

Design

The Eurodrone utilizes a pusher configuration with two General Electric Catalyst turboprop engines driving MT-Propellers. The airframe has a length of 16 meters, a wingspan of 26 meters, and a maximum takeoff weight of 13,000 kg. The twin-engine layout was a requirement specified by Germany for flight safety over domestic urban areas. Onboard sensors include the Leonardo Gabbiano AESA radar and the Safran Euroflir 610 electro-optical and infrared (EO/IR) sensor. Data transmission is handled via a Hensoldt and Sener wide band Line of Sight (LoS) Ku data link. The aircraft is designed for a maximum speed of 500 km/h, a service ceiling of 12,000 meters, and an endurance of up to 40 hours.

Armament

The platform has a payload capacity of 2,300 kg and is equipped with five hardpoints. Inner hardpoints have a capacity of 650 kg, while the center and outer hardpoints are rated for 375 kg. Weapon systems identified for the platform include Aleron LP and Brimstone missiles, as well as GBU-49 Enhanced Paveway II precision-guided bombs.

Operational History

Current contract orders include the German Air Force (21 drones), the Italian Air Force (15 drones), the French Air and Space Force (12 drones), and the Spanish Air Force (12 drones). Japan and India joined the program as observers in November 2023 and January 2025, respectively.