AviationNews – The European Defence Agency (EDA) has selected Airbus Helicopters, through its subsidiary Survey Copter, to spearhead the Multi Mission Unmanned Aircraft System (M2UAS) project, aimed at bolstering advanced drone operations for European armed forces.
This strategic contract initiates a 48-month development cycle with a budget of approximately €1.1 million, focusing on the research and development of a versatile, hybrid uncrewed aircraft. By leveraging the existing Capa-X platform, the project aims to create a highly adaptable system capable of being reconfigured for diverse operational needs. The first 12-month phase is dedicated to an in-depth analysis of military requirements and technological feasibility, which will serve as the foundation for optimizing the drone’s future multi-mission architecture.
Technically, the Capa-X serves as a robust baseline for the M2UAS project. It is a 120 kg tactical drone designed for maximum operational efficiency, featuring a 100 km data link range, 10 hours of flight endurance, and a substantial payload capacity of up to 20 kg. Its modular design allows it to adapt to varying mission profiles, including surveillance, reconnaissance, electronic warfare, and even potential automated in-flight refueling. This versatility is essential for modern forces, as it permits operators to switch payload configurations rapidly to meet specific field constraints or mission objectives.
“We would like to thank the EDA for the trust it has placed in us. This selection is a major recognition of our expertise in tactical drone systems and reflects our commitment to supporting the development of innovative European defence capabilities,” said Christophe Canguilhem, Director of the Capa-X programme at Airbus Helicopters. “The characteristics of the Capa-X system make it particularly well suited to the M2UAS project, while offering a scalable operational solution that can be adapted to the needs of the armed forces.”
Looking ahead, the successful execution of the M2UAS project will likely define the next generation of European drone architectures. By refining these capabilities, the project aims to strengthen European strategic sovereignty in the uncrewed systems sector, ensuring that armed forces have access to scalable, high-performance tools capable of performing complex missions in increasingly contested environments.
The selection of Airbus for the M2UAS project marks a significant step forward in the modular development of tactical drones for European defense. As the project progresses, the resulting architectures are expected to provide a flexible and powerful force multiplier for future military operations.
