India Joins Eurodrone Partnership as Observer Member

India Gains Observer Status in Eurodrone Program

The four-nation Eurodrone program has welcomed India as an observer, marking a significant development in the project’s progression towards completion. This move follows Japan‘s previous inclusion as an observer on the program, which is spearheaded by Italy, France, Germany, and Spain in collaboration with the OCCAR contracting agency.

Eurodrone Capabilities

The Eurodrone, developed by Airbus, Dassault Aviation, and Leonardo, boasts a 26-meter wing span and is designed for long-endurance Intelligence, Surveillance, Target Acquisition and Reconnaissance (ISTAR) missions. With a payload capacity of 2.3 tons, the drone can fly in non-segregated airspace, carry weapons, and offer advanced capabilities such as naval anti-submarine warfare and electronic-warfare.

The Eurodrone’s impressive features include:

• A maximum altitude of 45,000 feet

• 40 hours of autonomy

• Twin turboprops positioned behind the wing in a pusher configuration

Program History and Development

Launched in 2015, the Eurodrone program initially aimed for a first delivery in 2025. However, entry into service is now planned for 2029 due to delays caused by EU states dragging their heels on joint drone development.

During an October visit to Leonardo facilities in Italy, Eurodrone program officials inspected the mission computer and Gabbiano electronically scanned radar set to be installed on the platform. This marks a crucial step towards the completion of the Eurodrone project.