The Aarok contract – a low cost interim solution, or a replacement for EuroDrone?
December 12, 2024
Amid growing French frustration with the multi-national EuroDrone, developed by Airbus in collaboration with Dassault Aviation and Leonardo, the Directorate of Aeronautical Maintenance (DMAé) has awarded a strategic study contract to explore the concept of a “certifiable but uncertified” UAV. The aim of this ‘reactive experimentation project’ is to produce systems that will balance operational and regulatory needs with lower cost and streamlined production. This represents an extremely innovative approach that is intended to streamline and accelerate UAV deployment, providing a more agile response to evolving operational challenges while maintaining operational safety standards.
The EuroDrone has faced delays and rising costs, and will not be available for use until 2030, and at an estimated cost of nearly €2 billion for six systems. The EuroDrone also requires substantial infrastructure due to its 26-metre wingspan and 10 tonne+ weight.
By contrast, Aarok is expected to cost between €5 and €10 million, but will provide more than 24 hours of endurance while carrying a payload of up to 1.5 tonnes on six underwing hardpoints. The aircraft attracted the attention of the then Chief of Staff of the French Air and Space Force, General Stéphane Mille, who expressed an interest in testing the system in October 2023.
The Aarok is equipped with a multi-mode radar, advanced electro-optical sensors, and SIGINT capabilities, and can also carry a range of kinetic and non-kinetic effectors. The aircraft can take-off and land on unprepared runways, but is also reportedly deployable from tactical transport aircraft. The ‘pragmatic’ design prioritizes simplicity and robustness, and makes extensive use of COTS, MOTS and pre-qualified systems that are already in service to maximise value for money and supportability. Aarok can undertake strategic and tactical attack missions, ISR, airborne communications relay and maritime surveillance missions.
The Aarok enjoys an extremely competitive cost and great operational flexibility, thanks to its innovative design, and it is being positioned as a potentially promising alternative to meet French defence requirements. This could include French use of the lighter, expendable variant being developed in partnership with Ukrainian manufacturer Antonov.
