Airbus Delivers Enhanced Flexibility To Naval Operations
The French Navy has become the first operator of Airbus Helicopters’ new VTOL version of the Aliaca drone system, with deliveries scheduled to begin in May 2026. The system features four propellers, allowing for vertical takeoff and landing, and maintains its fixed-wing propulsion mode during the mission. The French Directorate General of Armament has ordered a total of 34 Aliaca systems since 2022, with the latest version set to undergo qualification trials before being declared operational. This development was first reported by AeroTime.