Airbus boosts UAS portfolio with Aerovel acquisition and vertical takeoff drone
The acquisition of Aerovel and its technology will be expected to contribute to the advancement of Airbus's own platforms including the VSR700. (Photo: Airbus)
Airbus Helicopters has acquired Aerovel and its product Flexrotor, a vertical takeoff and landing (VTOL) small tactical UAS, as part of its strategy to expand its tactical uncrewed solutions portfolio.
The UAS has been designed for ISTAR missions for more than 12–14 hours in a typical operational configuration. It can integrate different types of payloads including an electro-optical system and advanced sensors.
Airbus Helicopter has been developing a UAS of its own and the acquisition of Aerovel, along with its uncrewed flight technology, will be expected to contribute to the advancement of Airbus’s own platforms including the VSR700.
Developed by Airbus Helicopters in partnership with Naval Group (formerly DCNS), the VSR700 is a rotary-wing UAS. It was designed to be launched from naval vessels and is compact enough to fit within anything from small corvettes to large warships.
The manufacturers and the French Navy have recently tested the Naval Aerial Drone System (SDAM) demonstrator from a multi-mission frigate. France showcased the technical capabilities of the VSR700 in January 2023 as part of risk-reduction efforts for the SDAM programme.
“This strategic acquisition aligns with our vision to expand our UAS offering and respond to a growing customer demand worldwide for additional mission capabilities such as manned-unmanned teaming,” said Bruno Even, CEO of Airbus Helicopters.
Aerovel, based in Bingen, Washington, will remain a US-owned company and continue collaboration with the US DoD under Airbus’ Special Security Agreement (SSA), the partners said.
Related Programmes in Defence Insight
Système de Drone Aérien pour la Marine (SDAM) [France]
Related Equipment in Defence Insight
More from Air Warfare
-
IDEX 2025: L3Harris Viper Shield “on timeline” as first upgrade customer launch targeted for mid-2025
L3Harris’ Viper Shield, an all-digital, fully integrated electronic warfare system for the F-16, is aiming for deliveries by late-2025, as the company explores a variety of upgrade options to further futureproof the system.
-
IDEX 2025: Israel’s RT LTA Systems unveils new cellular communication system
RT has developed the Skystar family of tactical aerostat systems that are capable of carrying payloads up to an altitude of 500m.
-
IDEX 2025: Bombardier Defense eyes demand uptick with Challenger and Global platforms
The Canadian jet manufacturer is anticipating a opening date for its new UAE service facility in the near future as well as getting ready to welcome its Global 8000 jet into service by the end of the year.
-
Trump offers F-35 to India, as US pledges to boost military sales by “billions”
US President Donald Trump disclosed in a joint press conference with India’s Prime Minister, Narendra Modi, that the US would look for opportunities to supply Lockheed Martin F-35 fighter aircraft to India as the country looks to modernise its fleet.
-
IDEX 2025: Industry poised to profit from Middle East air forces’ modernisation efforts
Companies such as the Eurofighter consortium and Embraer, await potential orders from the Middle East, while countries including Saudi Arabia and the UAE work to add mass, modernise and replace ageing aircraft.