India officially welcomed as an observer on Eurodrone programme
India now joins Japan as the second observer nation on the programme. (Photo: OCCAR)
The four-nation medium-altitude long-endurance (MALE) uncrewed aerial system (UAS) programme includes France, Germany, Italy and Spain. India’s acceptance as an observer is the second addition to the programme, following Japan in 2023.
India has now joined the Eurodrone programme for a MALE UAS as an observer, the Organisation for Joint Armament Co-operation (OCCAR) has announced.
Following its request to join the programme in August 2024, India then signed a joint statement with Germany in October 2024 to deepen defence ties, which included “recognising the shared goal of intensifying defence ties” between the two countries.
The Eurodrone MALE UAS is intended to conduct Intelligence, Surveillance, Target Acquisition and Reconnaissance (ISTAR) missions.
Launched in 2016, the UAS is being developed by Airbus, Dassault and Leonardo for France, Germany, Italy and Spain. A full-scale model of the Eurodrone was unveiled in 2018 at ILA Berlin.
According to OCCAR, a maiden flight of the UAS is planned for 2027, with the delivery of the Eurodrone to a participating partner state targeted by the “end of the decade”. It also views the programme as a “key pillar” to any Future Combat Air System (FCAS).
The total funding for the entire four-nation programme is a reported €7.1 billion (US$8.56 billion) to procure 60 Eurodrone platforms. According to Shephard Defence Insight Eurodrone’s estimated flyaway unit cost is $114.4 million.
Related Equipment in Defence Insight
More from Air Warfare
-
![US Navy acquires additional anti-submarine warfare kits for P-8A Poseidon aircraft]()
US Navy acquires additional anti-submarine warfare kits for P-8A Poseidon aircraft
The contract modification, awarded to Boeing, is worth $61.2 million and will support the US Navy’s (USN's) evolution of its P-8 Poseidon aircraft as continued upgrades are made to boost its capabilities and lethality.
-
![Union slams “self-sabotage” of UK government over Typhoon production]()
Union slams “self-sabotage” of UK government over Typhoon production
The UK Ministry of Defence remains resolute that the Typhoon sits at the heart of the country’s air defence capabilities and is focused on the aircraft’s potential export orders, despite its continued focus on F-35 procurement.
-
![South Korea considers cancellation of second AH-64E Apache helicopter purchase]()
South Korea considers cancellation of second AH-64E Apache helicopter purchase
The likely scrapping of Boeing’s Apache helicopter comes after a huge budget cut approved by the South Korean National Assembly. The helicopter procurement had already been reconsidered by the country’s Joint Chiefs of Staff earlier in the year.
-
![UK to receive 27 additional F-35 aircraft by end of decade]()
UK to receive 27 additional F-35 aircraft by end of decade
The number of aircraft was stated by UK Defence Secretary John Healey during a Defence Committee hearing. It follows on from the UK’s decision to purchase F-35A aircraft to boost its nuclear deterrence, although hurdles and questions about the order still remain.
-
![Paraguayan Air Force receives four A-29 Super Tucano aircraft]()
Paraguayan Air Force receives four A-29 Super Tucano aircraft
Six Super Tucano aircraft were ordered in July 2024, with Paraguay the fifth South American country to add the aircraft to modernise its fleet.
