French DGA has received all NX70 micro-drones intended for land forces.

The Directorate General of Armament (DGA) received this summer the last of the 27 NX70 micro-UAV systems ordered from the company Novadem.

NX-70 micro-drone (Picture source: MBDA)

In total, more than 50 NX70-type air vectors [1] were delivered to the ground forces after evaluation by the Army Technical Section. Discreet, easily and quickly implemented, this micro-UAV will effectively contribute to the proximity intelligence of the units by its extensive performance, thus enhancing their close protection and keep the tactical ascendancy on the opponent.

The General Staff had issued in October 2018 a request for emergency acquisition operation of micro-drones for French troops in foreign operations. It followed feedback from the use of micro-UAVs that had demonstrated their operational interest but also the need to improve their performance, particularly in terms of detection capacity and interference resistance. The DGA has conducted this arming operation in less than a year.

The NX70 micro-drone from Novadem weighs less than a kilo and has an all-weather resistance capability (wind, rain, dust, extended temperature range). It has high-performance cameras, allowing high definition images to be transmitted securely, several kilometers away from the operator. Its small size makes it easily transportable by the dismounted fighter. It will notably be used to equip the sections and combat companies of the battlegroups engaged in the framework of Operation Barkhane, and will complete the drone capability frame of the Army in support of each tactical level.

[1] A system consists of two aerial vectors (drones) and a ground control station.