The French Aeronautical Maintenance Directorate (DMAé) has placed an additional order with Airbus Helicopters for four U050 Capa-X systems following the evaluation of an initial system acquired in late 2025.
Each system comprises two U050 Capa-X uncrewed aerial systems (UAS), with two systems allocated to the French Navy and two to the French Army under the Light Tactical Drone System (SDTL) evaluation programme. Deliveries are scheduled for 2027.
The order follows land and sea evaluation activities conducted with French forces during 2025 and early 2026. Airbus said the U050 Capa-X met the requirements of the SDTL programme, including logistical footprint, endurance and payload requirements.
The complete system can be transported using two pickup trucks. During evaluation, the aircraft demonstrated seven hours of endurance, dual-payload operation and a range of 100 km.
The U050 Capa-X has a maximum take-off weight of 120 kg and can operate up to 100 km from its ground station using a direct data link. Airbus states a maximum endurance of 10 hours and a payload capacity of up to 20 kg.
The aircraft’s modular configuration allows different payloads to be integrated for specific missions. The baseline configuration includes an optronic pod for imagery intelligence (IMINT) and a signals intelligence (SIGINT) capability.
“This initial version of the U050 Capa-X is designed to evolve both in its design and the scope of its missions to adapt to the constantly changing needs of the armed forces. This is the core advantage of its modularity, which allows us to reinforce and expand its capabilities over time,” said Victor Gerin-Roze, Head of Uncrewed Aerial Systems at Airbus Helicopters.
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The programme also forms part of its wider responsibility for aircraft and aeronautical equipment performance and through-life support. The organisation oversees asset availability and maintenance while managing lifecycle costs.
The additional systems will allow the French Navy and Army to continue evaluating the U050 Capa-X under the SDTL programme, with deliveries planned for 2027.
