Airbus receives French order for U050 Capa-X drones

The French Aeronautical Maintenance Directorate (DMAé) has placed an additional order with Airbus Helicopters for the U050 Capa-X uncrewed aerial system. This follows a successful evaluation of an initial system acquired in late 2025.

The new order includes four systems, each consisting of two U050 Capa-X drones. Two systems are designated for the French Navy and two for the French Army as part of the Light Tactical Drone System (SDTL) evaluation programme. Delivery is expected in 2027.

The U050 Capa-X is a 120 kg modular drone capable of an operational range of 100 km and a maximum payload capacity of 20 kg. During land and sea evaluations conducted in 2025 and early 2026, the system demonstrated a seven-hour endurance and a small logistical footprint, with the entire setup capable of being transported in two pickup trucks.