About the Eurodrone Program

The Eurodrone program is a collaborative effort among France, Germany, Spain, and Italy. It is managed by OCCAR (Organisation for Joint Armament Cooperation), based in Bonn, and led by Airbus Defence and Space (Germany), with major subcontractors including Leonardo (Italy), Dassault Aviation (France), and Airbus (Spain).

What is the Eurodrone?

The Eurodrone is a medium-altitude, long-endurance (MALE) remotely piloted aircraft system (RPAS) designed for extended missions such as intelligence, surveillance, reconnaissance, maritime surveillance, anti-submarine warfare, and early warning. The project, valued at around €7 billion, involves France, Germany, Italy, and Spain. The drone can stay in the air for up to 40 hours and carry a payload of 2.3 tonnes.

Key Features

• Twin-engine design for operations in harsh weather conditions.
• The first RPAS designed for safe, reliable flight in shared airspace.
• Secured data management through controlled connectivity.

Timeline

• Launched in 2022 as the "European Programme for European Sovereignty"
• Passed the preliminary design review (PDR) in 2024.
• The first flight is planned for 2026, with deliveries expected by 2028.
• Full operational deployment anticipated by 2030.

Observer Nation Status

India, as an observer nation, will have access to technical data and the option to place orders for the Eurodrone but will not be involved in decision-making regarding its design, development, or distribution of workshare among the participating countries. India submitted its application for observer status in August 2024, following Japan’s inclusion in November 2023.

Strategic Importance

The Eurodrone program enhances European defence autonomy, reducing dependence on US and Israeli drones (such as the Reaper and Heron). It is also part of Europe’s collective defence strategy, with a €7.1 billion program that includes 20 systems, each with 3 UAVs and 2 ground stations.

Strategic Defence Collaboration

India's participation in the Eurodrone program aligns with its broader defence strategy of increasing technology collaboration with international partners. This follows a defence cooperation agreement with Germany signed in October 2024, focused on technology collaboration, co-production, and co-development of defence platforms.

Challenges in Indian Air Force Modernisation

The Indian Air Force (IAF) is facing difficulties in modernising its fleet, currently operating just 31 squadrons, far below the sanctioned strength of 42. Delays in the production of new fighter jets and setbacks in the indigenous Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA) program are adding to the challenge.

Regional Security Concerns

India's regional competitors, especially China, have made significant strides in military aviation. The Chinese J-20 stealth fighter and the recently revealed J-35A pose a growing challenge to India’s air superiority, with Pakistan reportedly also acquiring the J-35A, further escalating regional competition.

Options for Fifth-Generation Fighters

India is exploring options to acquire fifth-generation fighter jets, including the US F-35 Lightning II, Russian Su-57, and the indigenous AMCA. However, geopolitical factors, such as India’s operation of the Russian S-400 air defence system, may complicate the acquisition of the F-35.

Future Prospects in Sixth-Generation Aircraft Development

India’s involvement in the Eurodrone program could pave the way for future participation in European sixth-generation fighter jet projects like the Global Combat Air Programme (GCAP) and the Future Combat Air System (FCAS). These initiatives aim to incorporate cutting-edge capabilities such as artificial intelligence and enhanced stealth technologies.

Collaborative Defence Development Considerations

As India considers its options for fifth-generation aircraft, it must also explore investments in sixth-generation technologies. Collaboration with European partners might provide a practical pathway, but such decisions will require careful assessment of cost-sharing and risk factors in joint development projects.