Airbus Delivers Advanced VTOL Drone for French Navy Operations

The French Directorate General of Armament has ordered a new version of Airbus Helicopters’ Aliaca drone system, which will feature vertical takeoff and landing capabilities. Deliveries are scheduled to begin in May 2026. The SMDM (Onboard Mini Aerial Drone Systems for the Navy) has been operational since 2022 and has demonstrated its full potential in operations. According to Christophe Canguilhem, Aliaca Program Director at Airbus Helicopters, the VTOL version will provide the French Navy with even more flexibility. The system is equipped with a camera, high-performance gyro-stabilized electro-optical/infrared system, and Automatic Identification System.