Airbus Helicopters selected by the European Defense Agency to develop new multi-mission military drone
A Airbus Helicoptersthrough its subsidiary Survey Copterwas selected by European Defense Agency (EDA) to participate in the project Multi Mission Unmanned Aircraft System (M2UAS)a strategic initiative aimed at developing a new unmanned aerial system for military missions.
The announcement was made in March 4, 2026em Marignane, Françaand marks the beginning of a program lasting a total of 48 months and approximate budget of €1.1 million.
The project aims to study and develop a hybrid unmanned aircraftcapable of executing different types of operational missions depending on the configuration and sensors or equipment installed.
Capa-X platform will serve as the basis for the project
According to Airbus Helicopters, the development of the M2UAS will be based on the unmanned aerial system Capa-Xa tactical drone designed for multi-mission operations.
Christophe Canguilhem, program director Capa-X at Airbus Helicopters, highlighted that the selection by EDA represents recognition of the company’s experience in developing military drones.
“We would like to thank EDA for the trust placed in us. This selection represents an important recognition of our expertise in tactical drone systems and reflects our commitment to supporting the development of innovative defense capabilities in Europe,” he said.
According to him, the characteristics of Capa-X make it particularly suitable for the project M2UASin addition to offering a scalable operational solution that can be adapted to the needs of the armed forces.
First phase will analyze military needs
A first phase of the programlasting 12 monthswill be dedicated to strategic studies, including the analysis of current and future military operational needs, the assessment of the project’s technological challenges and the identification of possible development paths.
This work will serve to guide technological choices and expand the system’s capabilities, increasing its versatility, efficiency and potential for multiple missions.
Missions planned for the new European drone
The M2UAS project aims to define a new drone architecture capable of performing diverse tasks on the modern battlefield, including surveillance and reconnaissance, electronic warfare, air effects launch e automated in-flight refueling.
The initiative seeks reinforce European capabilities in unmanned aerial systemsan area considered strategic for the continent’s armed forces.
Features of the Capa-X drone
O Capa-Xthe platform that will serve as the basis for the project, has the following specifications:
- total weight: 120 kg
- data link range: 100 km
- flight range: up to 10 hours
- payload capacity: up to 20 kg
Its modular design allows you to quickly adapt the drone to different missions, configurations and operational requirements, meeting both armed forces as well as civil and government operators.
With the advancement of the M2UAS project, Airbus Helicopters and the European Defense Agency intend to boost the development of new generations of European military dronesexpanding the continent’s technological autonomy in this strategic sector.
Source and images: Airbus Helicopters. This content was created with the help of AI and reviewed by the editorial team.
