
India has made a significant contribution to the European efforts to develop unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) by gaining observer status in the Eurodrone programme. India has joined the Eurodrone project, one of Europe’s strong defence cooperation partners, as an observer, along with Japan. This development is seen as an important step towards Europe gaining greater autonomy in the drone sector.
Eurodrone Programme and Participating Countries
Eurodrone is a project initiated by Italy, France, Germany and Spain and implemented by the European Defense Agency OCCAR. The program aims to increase Europe’s defense capacity and provide independence in the field of UAV production in the region. Eurodrone aims to build the MALE type (Medium Altitude Long Endurance) unmanned aerial vehicle, which will be used in Intelligence, Surveillance, Target Acquisition and Reconnaissance (ISTAR) missions.
Airbus is developing the Eurodrone in collaboration with France’s Dassault Aviation and Italy’s Leonardo. The vehicle will be particularly capable of long-endurance flight and will serve Europe’s military forces in a wide range of military missions.
Technical Specifications of Eurodrone
Eurodrone has a wingspan of 26 meters and stands out with its superior air control and durability. According to the statements made by Airbus, this unmanned aerial vehicle will have a payload capacity of 2,3 tons, offer a flight time of 40 hours and will be able to reach a maximum altitude of 45 thousand feet. In addition, Eurodrone will be a platform that can provide electronic warfare capabilities in battlefields, conduct anti-submarine warfare and carry weapons.
The Eurodrone will be equipped with advanced mission computers and Gabbiano electronically scanned radars. During a visit to Leonardo facilities in October, these features of the platform were examined and important steps were taken to increase the platform’s mission capabilities.
Future of the Program and Challenges
The first delivery of the Eurodrone program was originally planned for 2025, but according to recent developments, this date has been postponed to 2029. The difficulties that Europe faces in such projects in the defense sector can sometimes lead to extended cooperation and production processes. The successful entry into service of the Eurodrone will strengthen Europe’s independence in the UAV market and increase the effectiveness of military operations in the region.
India's Participation and Global Impact
India’s participation in the Eurodrone program as an observer is an important step towards strengthening global defense cooperation and taking part in technological developments. India’s involvement in European military projects provides such projects with an international dimension. By participating in the Eurodrone program as an observer, India can gain valuable information about developing its own defense capacity and take an active role in future projects.