French Aarok MALE Drone Secures Its First Contract with Ministry of Armed Forces
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The Aarok, a French MALE (Medium Altitude Long Endurance) drone developed by Turgis & Gaillard, has reached a critical milestone with the awarding of its first contract by the Ministry of Armed Forces through the Directorate of Aeronautical Maintenance (DMAé). This strategic contract explores the concept of a “certifiable but uncertified” drone, an innovative approach intended to streamline and accelerate drone deployment while maintaining operational safety standards. This initiative represents a significant shift in technological and regulatory innovation for French defense equipment.
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The Aarok is designed to meet modern operational demands with its versatile capabilities (Picture source: Aarok)
As the delivery of the EuroDrone, developed under the lead of Airbus in collaboration with Dassault Aviation and Leonardo, is anticipated by 2030, the Ministry of Armed Forces is examining alternative options. The emergence of the Aarok, unveiled by Turgis & Gaillard, challenges traditional models with its innovative design and competitive costs, offering an alternative to the EuroDrone, which has faced delays and cost concerns. Estimated at nearly €2 billion for six systems, the EuroDrone has also drawn criticism for requiring substantial infrastructure due to its size, with a 26-meter wingspan and a weight exceeding ten tons. In contrast, the Aarok, priced between €5 and €10 million, delivers over 24 hours of endurance and can carry up to 1.5 tons of payload across six hardpoints.
The Aarok is designed to meet modern operational demands with its versatile capabilities. It is equipped with advanced electro-optical sensors, a multi-mode radar, and electromagnetic intelligence (SIGINT) capabilities. The drone is also deployable from tactical transport aircraft and capable of take-off and landing on unprepared runways. Its pragmatic design prioritizes simplicity and robustness, utilizing pre-qualified systems already in service. This approach positions the Aarok as an adaptable asset for diverse operations, including maritime surveillance, airborne communication relays, and strategic strikes, while remaining operational in challenging environments.
The Aarok has garnered significant attention for its potential. In October 2023, General Stéphane Mille, then Chief of Staff of the French Air and Space Force, expressed interest in testing the drone. Since then, the Aarok has advanced with key developments, including a partnership with the Ukrainian manufacturer Antonov to create a lighter, expendable variant. The recent contract with the DMAé underscores a collaborative effort involving the Directorate General of Armament (DGA) to balance operational and regulatory needs with streamlined production.
This trajectory could redefine existing paradigms, with Turgis & Gaillard presenting the Aarok as a transformative solution for future military operations. Supported by the French Armed Forces, this reactive experimentation project paves the way for more agile responses to evolving operational challenges. The Aarok’s competitive cost, innovative design, and flexibility position it as a promising alternative in France’s defense strategies.
The French Armed Forces operate a diverse fleet of drones to enhance their operational capabilities. Notable among these is the MQ-9 Reaper, an American-made surveillance and combat drone used for reconnaissance and precision strikes. Additionally, the Army employs nano-drones like the Black Hornet 3, designed for short-range reconnaissance to improve situational awareness. These systems, complemented by ground-based drones and robotics, enable the French military to conduct various surveillance, intelligence, and combat missions with increased effectiveness in modern conflict environments.
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The Aarok, a French MALE (Medium Altitude Long Endurance) drone developed by Turgis & Gaillard, has reached a critical milestone with the awarding of its first contract by the Ministry of Armed Forces through the Directorate of Aeronautical Maintenance (DMAé). This strategic contract explores the concept of a “certifiable but uncertified” drone, an innovative approach intended to streamline and accelerate drone deployment while maintaining operational safety standards. This initiative represents a significant shift in technological and regulatory innovation for French defense equipment.
The Aarok is designed to meet modern operational demands with its versatile capabilities (Picture source: Aarok)
As the delivery of the EuroDrone, developed under the lead of Airbus in collaboration with Dassault Aviation and Leonardo, is anticipated by 2030, the Ministry of Armed Forces is examining alternative options. The emergence of the Aarok, unveiled by Turgis & Gaillard, challenges traditional models with its innovative design and competitive costs, offering an alternative to the EuroDrone, which has faced delays and cost concerns. Estimated at nearly €2 billion for six systems, the EuroDrone has also drawn criticism for requiring substantial infrastructure due to its size, with a 26-meter wingspan and a weight exceeding ten tons. In contrast, the Aarok, priced between €5 and €10 million, delivers over 24 hours of endurance and can carry up to 1.5 tons of payload across six hardpoints.
The Aarok is designed to meet modern operational demands with its versatile capabilities. It is equipped with advanced electro-optical sensors, a multi-mode radar, and electromagnetic intelligence (SIGINT) capabilities. The drone is also deployable from tactical transport aircraft and capable of take-off and landing on unprepared runways. Its pragmatic design prioritizes simplicity and robustness, utilizing pre-qualified systems already in service. This approach positions the Aarok as an adaptable asset for diverse operations, including maritime surveillance, airborne communication relays, and strategic strikes, while remaining operational in challenging environments.
The Aarok has garnered significant attention for its potential. In October 2023, General Stéphane Mille, then Chief of Staff of the French Air and Space Force, expressed interest in testing the drone. Since then, the Aarok has advanced with key developments, including a partnership with the Ukrainian manufacturer Antonov to create a lighter, expendable variant. The recent contract with the DMAé underscores a collaborative effort involving the Directorate General of Armament (DGA) to balance operational and regulatory needs with streamlined production.
This trajectory could redefine existing paradigms, with Turgis & Gaillard presenting the Aarok as a transformative solution for future military operations. Supported by the French Armed Forces, this reactive experimentation project paves the way for more agile responses to evolving operational challenges. The Aarok’s competitive cost, innovative design, and flexibility position it as a promising alternative in France’s defense strategies.
The French Armed Forces operate a diverse fleet of drones to enhance their operational capabilities. Notable among these is the MQ-9 Reaper, an American-made surveillance and combat drone used for reconnaissance and precision strikes. Additionally, the Army employs nano-drones like the Black Hornet 3, designed for short-range reconnaissance to improve situational awareness. These systems, complemented by ground-based drones and robotics, enable the French military to conduct various surveillance, intelligence, and combat missions with increased effectiveness in modern conflict environments.
