UAV / UCAV
Airbus Eurodrone
The Airbus Eurodrone is a European twin-turboprop medium-altitude long-endurance drone led by Airbus Defence and Space in Germany, with France, Italy and Spain as partners. It is in development, with entry into service planned for around 2030.
Germany|Airbus Defence and Space & Dassault Aviation & LeonardoOverview
The Eurodrone project was launched in 2015 by the defence ministers of Germany, France, Italy and Spain and is managed by OCCAR. A contract signed in 2022 covers 20 aircraft in seven systems for about 7.1 billion euros, split as Germany 7 aircraft, France 5, Italy 5 and Spain 3. Two Catalyst turboprops from GE Aerospace and Avio Aero of about 1,100 shp each power a drone with a 30 m wingspan, 16 m length and 11 tonne maximum take-off weight. All figures are design targets.
The planned payload is about 2.3 tonnes, with endurance up to 40 hours and a ceiling around 13,700 m. It is meant for ISR and optionally armed missions, and the German Bundestag approved armament in principle. As of October 2026 first flight is planned for around 2027 and service entry for around 2030, later than the earlier targets of 2025 and 2028. Airbus Germany is prime, with Airbus Spain, Dassault Aviation and Leonardo taking shares. Germany uses leased interim drones until then. Treat dates as planning figures.
Key Specifications
Variants
The German Eurodrone order covers 7 aircraft and Germany is the lead nation.
The French Eurodrone order covers 5 aircraft, with Dassault Aviation taking a work share.
The Italian and Spanish orders cover 5 and 3 aircraft, with Leonardo and Airbus Spain taking shares.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does the Eurodrone cost?
The Eurodrone programme is worth about 7.1 billion euros for 20 aircraft in 7 systems under the 2022 contract. No price per aircraft is officially published.
When will the Eurodrone enter service?
The Airbus Eurodrone is planned to enter service around 2030, with a first flight around 2027. These are planning figures, and earlier targets of 2025 and 2028 have already slipped.
How long can the Eurodrone fly?
The Airbus Eurodrone is designed for an endurance of up to 40 hours. It has a planned ceiling of about 13,700 m and a payload of about 2.3 tonnes, all of which are design targets.
Eurodrone vs MQ-9B: which is better?
The Airbus Eurodrone is larger, with a 30 m wingspan against about 24 m for the General Atomics MQ-9B, and has twin engines. The MQ-9B is already flying and in service, while the Eurodrone is still in development.
Which countries are buying the Eurodrone?
Germany, France, Italy and Spain are buying the Airbus Eurodrone, with 7, 5, 5 and 3 aircraft respectively. No export customers have been announced so far.
Is the Eurodrone armed?
The Airbus Eurodrone is designed for ISR and, as an option, for armed missions. The German Bundestag has approved armament in principle, though the details are not final.