The French Navy will be the first operator of the VTOL version of the Aliaca drone, developed by Airbus Helicopters, after the General Directorate of Armaments (DGA) authorized the inclusion of the new configuration in the SMDM program.
Deliveries are expected to begin in May 2026, following a qualification campaign on land and at sea. Since 2022, the French government has already acquired 34 Aliaca systems for naval use.
The new version maintains the base of the fixed-wing aircraft already used by the Navy, but adds four propellers that allow vertical takeoff and landing, eliminating the need for rails, catapults or recovery systems. This reduces logistical requirements and increases the number of ships capable of operating the system, maintaining the same control station and sensors already used.
With a maximum weight of 25 kg, a wingspan of 3.5 meters and an autonomy of up to two hours, the Aliaca VTOL can operate within a radius of 50 km. The drone is equipped with a camera, gyrostabilized electro-optical and infrared sensor and AIS system, capable of identifying vessels at great distances, reinforcing maritime surveillance and situational awareness both at sea and in operations from the coast.
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Currently described by the French Navy as its “remote binoculars”, the SMDM already equips patrol ships and surveillance frigates, as well as supporting search and rescue missions in the English Channel. With the arrival of the VTOL version, the system can be used on new classes of vessels and, in the future, integrate the French coastal surveillance network, expanding its range of missions against illegal activities and monitoring maritime traffic.
Source: Defence Blog | Photo: X @AirbusHeli | This content was created with the help of AI and reviewed by the editorial team
A new version of the SMDM, the Aliaca vertical uncrewed aerial system was tested on land & at sea in 2024 and 2025. The VTOL version will bring more flexibility to the French Navy.
Deliveries of this new version will begin this year following a qualification campaign.— Airbus Helicopters (@AirbusHeli) February 3, 2026
