France's Aeronautical Maintenance Directorate (DMAé) has ordered four U050 Capa-X uncrewed aerial systems from Airbus Helicopters, comprising a total of eight aircraft. Announced on September 10, 2026, the order follows successful land and sea evaluation trials of an initial system acquired in late 2025.
Two systems are allocated to the French Navy and two to the French Army under the Light Tactical Drone System (SDTL) evaluation program, with deliveries scheduled for 2027.
The 120-kilogram U050 Capa-X demonstrated a seven-hour endurance, an operational range of 100 kilometers, and a logistical footprint fitting onto two pickup trucks. In this initial operational configuration, the drones will be equipped with optronic pods for imagery intelligence (IMINT) and signals intelligence (SIGINT) capabilities.
