France has ordered the Aliaca uncrewed aerial system (UAS) in its vertical take-off and landing (VTOL) configuration via Airbus Helicopters subsidiary Survey Copter.
Also known as the SMDM (“Onboard Mini Aerial Drone Systems for the Navy”), the Aliaca VTOL UAS was developed in under 12 months based on a version that was already proven in French Navy operations. It was unveiled in April 2025.
Deliveries are scheduled to begin in May 2026, which will soon make the French Navy the first to operate the VTOL system.
In addition, this builds on Paris’ previous orders of 34 Aliaca fixed-wing UAS for the French Navy since 2022.
“We are proud to be able to deliver the VTOL version of the Aliaca to the French Navy for the first time,” said Christophe Canguilhem, Aliaca program director at Airbus Helicopters.
“This amendment to the initial contract demonstrates that our solution is now mature and available for our customers worldwide,” he added.
Navy’s ‘Remote Binoculars’
The French Navy uses the Aliaca system as its “remote binoculars” on its high-sea and overseas patrol vessels, as well as surveillance frigates.
It has also been deployed to coastal sites for search-and-rescue missions in the English Channel since 2023.
Meanwhile, the addition of Aliaca’s VTOL variant is intended to broaden deployment to other vessels and conduct a variety of missions, including tactical situational awareness and combating illegal activities.
The tactical mini-drone — with four propellers that allow it to launch and recover vertically before transitioning into forward flight for the mission — is also planned to be deployed from land in support of the coastal surveillance network, following qualification trials in early 2026.
With a maximum take-off weight of 25 kilograms (55 pounds), a wingspan of 3.5 meters (11.5 feet), and a length of 2.1 meters (6.9 feet), it can remain airborne for up to two hours with an operational radius of 50 kilometers (31 miles).
It carries a camera, a gyro-stabilized electro-optical/infrared payload, and an automatic identification system receiver capable of detecting ships from miles away.
By removing the need for launch and recovery equipment, the VTOL version significantly reduces logistical footprint and speeds up deployment, while using the same ground control station already familiar to French Navy operators.
