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SOURCE: AFI

In a significant development that underscores India’s growing interest in fostering defense ties with Europe, Airbus has welcomed India as an observer to the Eurodrone programme. This move, facilitated by the Organisation for Joint Armament Cooperation (OCCAR), signals India’s intent to explore potential collaboration with Europe in advanced defense technology projects. The development was first reported by IDRW.org.

India’s observer status in the Eurodrone programme, facilitated by the Organisation for Joint Armament Cooperation (OCCAR), signifies a step towards potentially deeper collaboration. This role allows India to monitor the project’s progress, understand its technologies, and assess possible areas for future partnership.

The Eurodrone, or European Medium Altitude Long Endurance Remotely Piloted Aircraft System (MALE RPAS), is a joint effort by Airbus, Leonardo (Italy), and Dassault Aviation (France) aimed at developing an advanced Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) for surveillance and reconnaissance tasks.

This involvement could be the precursor to India integrating advanced European UAV technology into its military strategy, potentially leading to technology transfer, co-development, or even co-production agreements in the future.

As an observer, India gains access to the technical developments of the Eurodrone, offering insights into cutting-edge European UAV technology, which could inform its own indigenous drone projects like the Tapas UAV.

India’s defense forces have been seeking to modernize their capabilities, particularly in aerial surveillance. The Eurodrone’s capabilities, including its long endurance, high-altitude operations, and sophisticated sensor suites, could complement India’s strategic needs.

This step also fosters stronger ties between India and key European nations, potentially opening up more avenues for defense cooperation in other areas, fostering mutual strategic interests in the Indo-Pacific region and beyond.

The Eurodrone project is currently in its development phase, with the first flight expected by mid-2027. It aims to provide European nations with a sovereign UAV capability, reducing reliance on foreign systems. Designed to operate in both segregated and non-segregated airspace, Eurodrone will offer versatility in missions ranging from intelligence, surveillance, target acquisition, and reconnaissance (ISTAR) to potential combat support roles.

The programme is a testament to European unity in defence technology, involving not just industrial giants like Airbus, Leonardo, and Dassault but also supported by national governments through OCCAR.

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