Nexter selected to develop loitering munition for French military
Nexter will supply the fragmentation warhead for a loitering munition developed for France's Colibri competition. (Photo: author)
Nexter is teaming up with a French UAV manufacturer to develop a fragmentation warhead for a fixed-wing loitering munition with a 40-minute endurance.
France's Defence Innovation Agency (AID) has selected Nexter and a French UAV manufacturer who wishes to remain anonymous at this stage to develop a loitering munition as part of the Colibri competition.
The companies will supply a loitering munition based on a fixed-wing UAV capable of 40 minutes' endurance, the time required to to fly to a search area up to 5km away, look for a target (a light vehicle or group of infantry), and return to its launch point if it has not engaged.
The target unit cost is €20,000, ($21,700), which according to the programme director at Nexter is 'under the price of
Already have an account? Log in
Want to keep reading this article?
More from Air Warfare
-
![US approves $16.5 billion in ‘emergency’ sales for air defence equipment for Middle East allies]()
US approves $16.5 billion in ‘emergency’ sales for air defence equipment for Middle East allies
The United Arab Emirates has taken the lion’s share of this round, with the US supporting its F-16 fleet and signing off on possible sales for more AMRAAM AIM-120 missiles and a counter-drone system.
-
![Eastern European helicopter modernisation could open doors for Western manufacturers]()
Eastern European helicopter modernisation could open doors for Western manufacturers
With some Eastern European countries already upgrading their helicopter fleets to incorporate Western technology, the region presents potential future opportunities for defence companies.
-
![UK E-7 Wedgetail delay down to a “technology issue”, as MoD grapples with slipping timelines]()
UK E-7 Wedgetail delay down to a “technology issue”, as MoD grapples with slipping timelines
The first of three E-7 Wedgetail aircraft, originally ordered in 2019, is now expected to be delivered to the RAF this year after multiple “difficulties”.
-
![Forecast $21.9 billion light attack and trainer opportunities up for grabs as Leonardo lines up M-346]()
Forecast $21.9 billion light attack and trainer opportunities up for grabs as Leonardo lines up M-346
The M-346 stands as a potential contender for various countries facing impending capability gaps due to ageing trainer aircraft, while it could also be selected as a cost-effective light fighter aircraft.
-
![US Air Force seeks capabilities to improve C3 for aircraft fleet and warfighters]()
US Air Force seeks capabilities to improve C3 for aircraft fleet and warfighters
The USAF published RFIs for enhancing its C3 capabilities after losing, in Operation Epic Fury, four aircraft in non-confrontational, unclear situations that could have been related to command, control and communication failures.
