Current Affairs-Topics

India Becomes Observer in Eurodrone Program

India has officially joined the Eurodrone programme as an Observer State. Led by Airbus Defence and Space, the initiative includes Germany, France, Italy, and Spain, and aims to develop a long-endurance unmanned aircraft system for defense and surveillance applications.

On January 21, 2025, India officially became an Observer State in the Eurodrone program, which is managed by the Organisation for Joint Armament Cooperation (OCCAR) and led by Airbus Defence and Space. This move highlights India’s dedication to strengthening its defence ties with European nations.

Background and Context

The Eurodrone program is a collaborative effort between Germany, France, Italy, and Spain to develop a Medium Altitude Endurance Remotely Piloted Aircraft System (MALE RPAS). The Eurodrone will be used for long-duration missions such as Intelligence, Surveillance, Target Acquisition, and Reconnaissance (ISTAR), maritime surveillance, anti-submarine warfare, and airborne early warning. The system is expected to enter service by 2030.

India’s Observer Status

India formally requested Observer Status on August 27, 2024, and received approval in January 2025. The Letter of Approval was handed over by OCCAR-EA Director Joachim Sucker to India’s Ambassador to Germany, Ajit Gupte, at the Indian Embassy in Berlin. This decision reflects India’s desire to explore opportunities for collaboration with Europe in the field of defence technology.

Implications for Defence Cooperation

By becoming an Observer in the Eurodrone program, India gains access to valuable insights into advanced unmanned aerial systems and their applications. This could potentially lead to future collaborations, technology transfers, and joint ventures, thereby boosting India’s defence capabilities and enhancing its relationships with European defence industries.

Eurodrone Programme Overview

  • Programme Name: Eurodrone
  • Lead Organization: Airbus Defence and Space
  • Participating Countries: Germany, France, Italy, Spain
  • Objective: Development of a Medium Altitude Long Endurance Remotely Piloted Aircraft System (MALE RPAS) for surveillance and reconnaissance
  • Primary Missions: ISTAR, maritime surveillance, anti-submarine warfare, airborne early warning
  • Expected Operational Date: 2030
  • India’s Role: Joined as an Observer State in January 2025

More Related Articles

Cheyava Falls Rock in Jezero Crater

NASA’s Mars exploration mission has taken a giant leap in the search for extraterrestrial life. In 2024, the Perseverance rover analyzed a unique rock sample named Cheyava Falls rock in the

Ethanol Chemical Formula C2H5OH

Ethanol, commonly known as ethyl alcohol, is one of the most widely used alcohols in the world. From being a key ingredient in alcoholic beverages to playing a vital role in industries and renewab

ISRO SSLV Transfer to HAL

India’s space sector has reached a historic milestone as the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) signed its 100th technology transfer agreement, enabling Hindustan Aeronautics Limited

HIRE Act 2025 Explained

The HIRE Act 2025 (Halting International Relocation of Employment) has emerged as one of the most significant developments in the US-India IT sector. Designed to curb offshore outsourcing, this pr

Solar Energetic Electrons (SEEs)

The Solar Orbiter mission, launched in 2020 as a joint venture between ESA and NASA, has made a breakthrough in understanding Solar Energetic Electrons (SEEs). This finding is highly important for

Portable Brain Injury Device

In a significant development in medical technology, India has introduced CEREBO, a Portable Brain Injury Device designed to detect traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) quickly, safely, and effectively.

21-cm Hydrogen Signal Detection

India is making strides in space science with the proposed PRATUSH mission, which aims to detect the elusive 21-cm Hydrogen Signal—one of the faintest radio signatures from the early univers

Adi Vaani AI Translator

In a groundbreaking step towards digital empowerment and language preservation, the Ministry of Tribal Affairs has launched the Beta version of Adi Vaani—India’s first AI translator sp

India-China AI Cooperation 2025

Recent developments in 2025 mark a significant milestone in India-China relations, as Prime Minister Narendra Modi visited China for the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) summit in Tianjin.

World Humanoid Robot Games 2025

The future of robotics was on full display in Beijing, where more than 500 humanoid robots from 16 countries came together for the prestigious World Humanoid Robot Games 2025. This four-day intern

Toppers

anil kumar
Akshay kuamr
geeta kumari
shubham