Airbus said it had been selected by the European Defence Agency (EDA) to expand the operational capabilities of its Capa-X drone under a new research and development initiative aimed at advancing European unmanned aerial systems.

The company said in a press release on Wednesday that its subsidiary Survey Copter, part of Airbus Helicopters, will take part in the Multi Mission Unmanned Aircraft System (M2UAS) project, a programme expected to run for 48 months with a total budget of about €1.1 million.

According to Airbus, the project will focus on studying and developing a hybrid uncrewed aircraft capable of carrying out multiple operational missions depending on configuration and payload.

“We would like to thank the EDA for the trust it has placed in us,” said Christophe Canguilhem, director of the Capa-X programme at Airbus Helicopters. “This selection is a major recognition of our expertise in tactical drone systems and reflects our commitment to supporting the development of innovative European defence capabilities.”

He added that the design characteristics of the Capa-X system make it well suited for the M2UAS program while offering a scalable operational solution adaptable to the needs of the armed forces.

Airbus said the project will build on its existing Capa-X uncrewed aerial system and aim to enhance its capabilities and operational flexibility. The first phase, lasting 12 months, will analyse current and future military operational requirements, assess technological challenges, and identify potential development paths.

The work is expected to guide technological choices that could increase the drone’s versatility and efficiency while expanding its multi-mission potential.

According to Airbus, the project may contribute to the development of new drone architectures capable of supporting missions including surveillance and reconnaissance, electronic warfare, deployment of aerial effects, and automated in-flight refuelling.

The Capa-X is a 120-kilogram multi-mission drone with a data link range of up to 100 kilometres, an endurance of around 10 hours, and a payload capacity of up to 20 kilograms. Airbus said its modular design allows the system to be adapted to different missions, configurations, and regulatory requirements for military, civil, and public operators.

The company said the M2UAS initiative is part of broader efforts in Europe to strengthen capabilities in uncrewed aerial systems through collaborative defence research programmes.

Source: Airbus Press Release