Published on 08 Sep 2025
India has, as an observer state, officially joined the Eurodrone programme.
The Eurodrone programme is a major European initiative to develop a next-generation, medium-altitude, long-endurance (MALE) remotely piloted aircraft system (RPAS), also known as a drone
Eurodrone is a four-nation initiative involving Germany, France, Italy, and Spain.
The programme, led by Airbus Defence and Space (Germany), includes Leonardo (Italy), Dassault Aviation (France), and Airbus (Spain) as major subcontractors.
Japan joined as an observer state in 2023.
Programme seeks to develop a twin-engine drone with around 40 hours endurance with first flight by 2026 and deliveries in 2028.
Eurodrone programme
medium-altitude long-endurance
MALE
remotely piloted aircraft system
RPAS
drone
UAV
Unmanned Aerial vehicle
security
strategic cooperation
European relations
Defence
Defence modernization