Eurodrone Attracts India DRDO Interest with 2300 Kg High Payload and All-Weather Capabilities

A high-level team from India’s Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) recently wrapped up a significant visit to an Airbus facility near Munich, where they closely examined the Eurodrone—Europe’s flagship unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) program. The visit, held in June 2025 as part of an ongoing Programme Working Group meeting, marked a key moment in India’s evaluation of advanced drone systems for its military.

The Eurodrone, jointly developed by Germany, France, Italy, and Spain, left a strong impression on the Indian delegation. The DRDO officials, particularly experts from the Aeronautical Development Establishment (ADE), were notably impressed by its powerful performance, including its 2,300 kg payload capacity and its all-weather operational capability—both critical features for modern warfare scenarios, especially in India’s varied terrain and climate.

This interest comes at a time when India's Army, Navy, and Air Force are jointly planning to induct up to 97 Medium Altitude Long Endurance (MALE) drones in the coming years. With rising strategic needs across the Line of Actual Control (LAC) and over the Indian Ocean Region, there is growing urgency to acquire drones that can perform intelligence, surveillance, target acquisition, and reconnaissance (ISTAR) missions in high-risk, high-altitude, and maritime environments.

The Eurodrone ticks many of these boxes. Its twin-turboprop configuration, powered by General Electric’s Catalyst engines, is designed for sustained endurance and versatility. The drone can be equipped with a wide range of sensor suites, including Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR), electro-optical/infrared (EO/IR) cameras, and signals intelligence (SIGINT) equipment. Additionally, its ability to carry precision-guided weapons and operate safely in non-segregated airspace adds to its combat utility.

India officially joined the Eurodrone program as an observer in January 2025, following a request made in August 2024. As an observer, India, alongside Japan, now receives regular technical updates and performance reports, giving its defense planners a clear view of Eurodrone’s capabilities and limitations. This level of access is also expected to benefit India’s indigenous UAV efforts, including platforms like the Tapas-BH-201 and the future Archer-NG.

Beyond just inspection and observation, the visit allowed the DRDO team to engage directly with European engineers, offering a rare chance to compare design philosophies and understand complex integration techniques. This hands-on insight could prove invaluable as India looks to narrow the gap between foreign platforms and its domestic drone ecosystem.

However, while the Eurodrone is technologically advanced, it is not without its issues. Launched in 2015, the program has encountered repeated delays, and the first prototype flight is now pushed to mid-2027. Rising development costs and the financial burden of staying involved as an observer are also concerns India will have to weigh carefully, particularly as it balances the need for quick acquisitions with the desire to build at home.

India’s military drone market, currently valued at around $1.5 billion, is expected to grow sharply over the next decade. Whether India decides to purchase foreign systems like the Eurodrone or use these insights to strengthen its domestic programs will shape the future of its drone warfare capabilities.

In any case, the DRDO’s visit to Munich reflects a deliberate and informed approach toward adopting cutting-edge aerial technologies. As global security dynamics evolve, partnerships like this—whether through full procurement, technology transfer, or collaborative development—could define how India meets the complex surveillance and combat challenges of tomorrow.