Airbus has announced that the French Navy will become the inaugural operator of its Aliaca vertical take-off and landing uncrewed aerial system through an order placed by the French Directorate General of Armament (DGA). The system, designated SMDM for onboard mini aerial drone operations in maritime environments, advances naval uncrewed capabilities for surveillance and other missions.
The Aliaca’s vertical configuration offers enhanced flexibility for ship-based operations, contributing to improved situational awareness and operational effectiveness for naval forces.
Airbus shared in a written statement: “The French Directorate General of Armament (DGA) has ordered a new version of the SMDM (‘Onboard Mini Aerial Drone Systems for Maritime Operations’) for the French Navy.”
