French Navy to Equip Frigates with Advanced VSR700 Drone Helicopters by 2028

The French Navy is set to enhance its maritime surveillance and intelligence-gathering capabilities with the addition of cutting-edge VSR700 helicopter drones, following a major agreement signed on June 17, 2025. The deal marks a new chapter in France’s naval modernization drive and drone warfare capabilities.

French Armed Forces Minister Sébastien Lecornu signed a framework agreement with Airbus Helicopters and Naval Group at the Paris Air Show, paving the way for the acquisition and integration of the Système de Drone Aérien pour la Marine (SDAM)—a naval drone system featuring the VSR700 uncrewed aerial system (UAS)—into French Navy frigates.

The VSR700, developed by Airbus Helicopters, is a medium-sized rotary-wing drone designed specifically for naval operations. The drone is based on the civil Cabri G2 platform and modified for military use. It can operate autonomously from warships, handling take-offs and landings even in harsh sea conditions and complex electromagnetic environments.

Key Technical Features of the VSR700:

• Endurance: Over 8 hours of continuous flight time

• Sensors: Equipped with radar, electro-optical/infrared (EO/IR) camera systems, and an Automatic Identification System (AIS) receiver for tracking vessels

• Payload Capacity: Capable of carrying multiple mission payloads

• Mission Types: Primarily designed for Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance (ISR) tasks, but future versions may include armed variants

• Autonomous Operation: Fully automated take-off and landing from moving ships

• Integration System: Operated using Naval Group’s Steeris® Mission System, a sea-proven solution developed over 15 years for seamless combat system integration onboard ships

The first batch of six SDAM systems is expected to be ordered later this year, with deliveries of production models planned for 2027. Shipboard integration is scheduled to begin in 2028, targeting France’s main frontline frigates such as the FDI (Frégate de Défense et d'Intervention) and FREMM (Frégate Européenne Multi-Mission) classes.

This new capability is expected to greatly enhance the French Navy’s ability to conduct maritime patrols, long-range reconnaissance, and surface target tracking—all without putting human pilots at risk. The VSR700 fills a vital gap in medium-altitude surveillance from the sea, offering extended range and flexibility without the cost and complexity of manned helicopter operations.

The framework agreement is also structured to welcome participation from international partner countries. Through government-to-government channels, allies will be able to adopt a configuration similar to the French Navy’s, promoting interoperability and expanding the reach of this advanced naval drone ecosystem.

Officials from Airbus and Naval Group emphasized that the VSR700 program represents more than just a military acquisition—it is also a strategic move to build a sovereign, homegrown UAS ecosystem in France, supporting national industry and fostering long-term technological innovation.

With the VSR700, France is joining a growing list of nations integrating advanced UAVs into their surface fleets, highlighting the rising importance of autonomous systems in naval warfare. The move is set to give the French Navy a stronger edge in maritime situational awareness, especially in contested waters.