Eurodrone Program Faces Uncertainty Amid French Withdrawal Talks

France is reportedly negotiating its withdrawal from the Eurodrone program, a joint development project with Germany, Italy, and Spain. The move could increase the programme bill by more than €700 million, according to reports. The stated driver for this decision is operational concern about the system’s size and suitability for high-intensity conflict. Airbus Defence and Space will lead the development and manufacturing of 20 MALE air systems, with Dassault Aviation and Leonardo as major partners. The programme manager has announced a completion of design phase and enabled prototype production, with the first flight planned for January 2027.