France’s Aeronautical Maintenance Directorate (DMAé) has placed an additional order with Airbus Helicopters for four U050 Capa-X uncrewed aerial systems following a successful evaluation of an initial system acquired in late 2025, Airbus said.
The order covers four systems, each comprising two U050 Capa-X uncrewed aerial vehicles. Two systems will be assigned to the French Navy and two to the French Army as part of an evaluation programme for the Light Tactical Drone System (SDTL). Deliveries are scheduled for 2027.
The U050 Capa-X underwent land and maritime trials with French armed forces in 2025 and early 2026. Airbus said the system met the requirements of the SDTL programme, including a small logistical footprint, with the complete system transportable on two pickup trucks.
The drone demonstrated an endurance of seven hours during the evaluation, along with the ability to carry two payloads and operate at ranges of up to 100 km.
The U050 Capa-X weighs 120 kg and can operate up to 100 km from its ground station using a direct data link. It has a stated maximum endurance of ten hours and can carry up to 20 kg of payload.
Designed as a modular system, the U050 Capa-X can carry multiple payloads simultaneously and be configured for different missions.
