The French Aeronautical Maintenance Directorate (DMAé) has placed an additional order with Airbus Helicopters following the successful evaluation of an initial U050 Capa-X system acquired at the end of 2025. 

The order covers the supply of four systems, each comprising two U050 Capa-X Uncrewed Aerial Systems (UAS), with two intended for the French Navy and two for the French Army as part of the Light Tactical Drone System (SDTL) evaluation programme. 

Delivery of the systems is scheduled for 2027, an Airbus Defence and Space statement said.

The U050 Capa-X is a 120 kg uncrewed aerial system capable of operating up to 100 km from its ground station via a direct data link. 

It offers up to 10 hours of endurance and a maximum payload capacity of 20 kg. As a modular drone, it can carry multiple payloads simultaneously and be rapidly configured to suit various missions. 

In this initial configuration, it is equipped with an optronic pod dedicated to imagery intelligence (IMINT) for gathering and exploiting imagery for surveillance, reconnaissance, and operational analysis. 

It also integrates a signals intelligence (SIGINT) capability, enhancing its versatility in the field. This baseline architecture is designed to evolve, allowing for the integration of new capabilities based on operational requirements.

The order follows a land and sea evaluation campaign conducted with various French forces in 2025 and early 2026 where the U050 Capa-X successfully met the requirements of the SDTL programme.

The system proved fully satisfactory, demonstrating a very small logistical footprint, with the complete setup fitting onto two pickup trucks, as well as a proven 7-hour endurance, dual-payload capacity, and an operational range of 100 km, it said.