The Bundestag approves the financing of Eurodrone.

Conceptualized for twenty years, developed for five years and blocked for two years, the Eurodrone has just made significant progress with the backing of the Bundestag.

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Eurodrone MALE RPAS mock-up at ILA 2018 (Picture source: DeffiSK)

After the validation of the Bundestag, the German Ministry of Defense will be able to order 21 vehicles, 12 ground stations and four simulators as well as the training of operators and mechanics and five years of MOC (Maintenance in operational condition) for an amount of €700 millions.

The European Medium Altitude Long Endurance (MALE) Remotely Piloted Aircraft System (RPAS) is a twin-turboprop UAV developed by Airbus, Dassault Aviation and Leonardo for Germany, France, Italy and Spain.  Missions targeted are long endurance intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance and ground support with precision-guided weapons. The MALE RPAS will equip the French (12), Italian (15), Spanish (15) and German (21) armies.

The 10 tonnes UAC is expected to begin active service in 2027 in Germany, and 2028 in France.

It will gradually replace foreign drones in service such as the Reaper and the Heron.