UAV portfolio

Airbus UAS: Capabilities for every mission

Airbus develops, supports, and operates cutting-edge Uncrewed Aerial Systems (UAS) technology, meeting global military, government, and commercial needs.

Leveraging decades of flight expertise and a decade supporting armed forces, Airbus offers proven military expertise to civil and institutional customers. 

Our UAS provide essential capabilities for diverse missions. For Intelligence, Surveillance, Target Acquisition, and Reconnaissance (ISTAR), they offer real-time monitoring with high-resolution sensors. Eurodrone provides multi-mission ISR; Flexrotor, long-endurance ISR for naval and expeditionary forces; and our stratospheric Zephyr, persistent ISR and vital connectivity for disaster management.

In combat missions, our systems enhance air superiority through automatic targeting. For naval operations, Airbus drones like the tactical VSR700 and SIRTAP improve maritime awareness and threat detection. To enhance teaming capabilities between drones and helicopters, Airbus has created HTeaming, a modular crewed-uncrewed teaming solution, empowering helicopter crews with full control over UAS in flight.

In addition, Airbus Mindshare was developed to enable mission autonomy by a group of crewed or uncrewed systems. This solution is a critical enabler for Uncrewed Collaborative Combat Aircraft, to be deployed as force multipliers alongside fighter jets, and for scaling uncrewed missions while relieving crew burden.

Our products also support air mobility and logistics, delivering vital supplies to challenging locations. Furthermore, Airbus UAS facilitate realistic, cost-effective training for air defence and air combat.

Products

Technologies, systems and autonomy enablers

Support and services

Advancing air power with uncrewed aerial systems

Mission-focused UAS

Intelligence, surveillance, target acquisition and reconnaissance

Airbus UAS provide real-time intelligence, surveillance, and threat detection using high-resolution sensors. Whether on land or at sea, they support missions across all domains.

SIRTAP Navantia MoU Signature Event 10

Combat and training

Airbus UAS contribute to air superiority through automatic target acquisition and adaptable payloads. They also enhance air defence training by facilitating tactical exercises featuring realistic threat simulations.

Wingmann UAV Manned Unmanned

Air mobility and logistics

Airbus UAS deliver vital supplies and aid to disaster areas and conflict zones, providing rapid and reliable support where traditional transport is inadequate.

The VSR700 lands itself on the deck of a French frigate
Airbus_MDO_Fassade_MAIN_v038_cc_COMPLETE_SCENE

Airbus' solutions and technologies are vital for enabling multi-domain operations from an air perspective, seamlessly integrating UAS.

A rich heritage of UAS experience

Innovations, concepts and demonstrators

Airbus has decades of experience in unmanned systems through concept studies and technology demonstrators such as Talarion, EuroHawk, Quadcruiser, ATLANTE and the stealth demonstrators LOUT and SAGITTA.

In the beginning…

Airbus has been involved in UAS since 1966 with the Dornier Kiebitz. The KZO, developed by STN ATLAS Elektronik and Rheinmetall Defence Electronics, now Airbus Defence and Space Airborne Solutions, first flew in 1998 and has been in service with the German Army since 2004.

KZO tactical UAS AIRBUS

Europe’s first UCAV demonstrator

The Barracuda was Europe's first Unmanned Combat Air Vehicle (UCAV) demonstrator and is proof that even 20 years ago Airbus had a concrete vision for the future of air power. The skills and experience gained are now being applied to the Remote Carriers for Manned-Unmanned Teaming and the Eurodrone.

Read more about demonstrators

Barracuda in flight UAS

The latest on UAS

In spotlight

The earth viewed from above

Over the past 50 years, remote sensing via satellites has yielded both spectacular views of our planet and unprecedented scientific insights.
Today, Earth observation satellites are at the forefront of monitoring climate change, deforestation, rising sea levels, and greenhouse gas emissions in the atmosphere. They’re also vital for homeland security, coastal surveillance and disaster management.

At Airbus, we not only build many of these satellites but also transform geospatial data into actionable insights to help our partners make the best decisions.

Airbus’ comprehensive portfolio means we are able to provide the right satellite and system for our customers – whether they need a weather-independent data source, a small constellation for high-frequency revisits, very high-resolution imagery or even all of these (and more).

Our global expertise

EarthCare surpasses electromagnetic tests

EarthCare surpasses electromagnetic tests

Almost 40 years of successful Earth observation

Since 1986, Airbus Defence and Space has successfully built and delivered 70+ Earth observation satellite systems, accumulating close to 600 years of in-orbit experience.

Around 30 new satellites as well as numerous payloads are currently in development in our facilities around the globe for customers.

Earth observation data, space-based products and services are undisputed tools for detecting climate changes on a planetary scale to unlock ways to preserve and protect Earth.

The latest earth observation news

In the spotlight

Frequently asked questions

about earth observation

What exactly is "Earth Observation" (EO)?

Earth observation is not simply satellite imagery, it is a science gathering information about our planet’s physical, chemical, and biological systems via space-based sensors. Essentially, it is taking the pulse of the Earth from space. 

At Airbus, we use a fleet of satellites to monitor everything from agricultural crop health and  polar ice thickness to urban expansion and maritime traffic. By turning pictures from space into intelligence for Earth, Earth observation imagery enables data-driven decisions.

How does satellite data differ from using a drone or an airplane?

While drones and planes are great for small, local areas, satellites provide three distinct advantages:

  • Global reach: Satellites can capture data anywhere on Earth, including remote oceans or restricted zones where planes cannot fly.
  • Consistency: Satellites follow sun-synchronous orbits, allowing us to  capture the exact same location at regular intervals to track precise changes over months or years.
  • Cost-Efficiency: Mapping an entire country via aircraft is prohibitively expensive and time-consuming; satellites can achieve this  in a single pass at a significantly lower cost.

Can Earth observation really help my business reach ESG or sustainability goals?

Yes. EO is now a primary tool for Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) reporting and compliance. Airbus intelligence helps companies:

  • Verify supply chains and ensure operations are deforestation-free and ethically sourced.
  • Monitor methane leaks or carbon sequestration in forests.
  • Audit environmental restoration projects with objective, third-party proof from space that cannot be altered.

What is the difference between optical and radar imagery?

Think of optical imagery (like Pléiades) as a high-powered digital camera; it shows you the world as the human eye sees it, but it requires sunlight and clear skies. Radar (like TerraSAR-X) sends out its own energy pulses that bounce off the ground. This allows it to "see" through clouds, smoke, and total darkness. Combining both gives you a 24/7, all-weather view of any location on Earth.

Is the data "Real-Time"? Can I watch a live video?

Not quite. While we don't offer "live streaming" like a webcam (due to the immense speed at which satellites travel), we offer "Near Real-Time" delivery. In urgent situations, such as a natural disaster, an image can be captured by a satellite and delivered to a user’s screen in as little as a few hours. For most monitoring needs, users look at "fresh" imagery updated daily or weekly.

Do I need to be a scientist to understand this data?

No. While raw satellite data is complex, Airbus specializes in Actionable Insights. Through our OneAtlas platform, we translate complex pixels into simple maps, alerts, and reports. Whether you need to know how many cars are in a parking lot or how much a forest has grown, we provide the answers in formats that business analysts and decision-makers can use immediately without a PhD in remote sensing.

Pursuing lower-emission aviation

ALTERNATIVE ENERGIES

Airbus has developed a structured and modular energy transformation roadmap applicable to all of its aerospace solutions. The roadmap includes a range of technologies such as sustainable aviation fuels (SAF), hydrogen – either directly burnt or transformed into electricity through fuel cells – and new hybrid-electric propulsion systems. We are exploring these technical solutions in parallel and continuously refining their potential to meet our decarbonisation ambition.

Energy transition at Airbus

The latest in energy transition

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ZEROe 4 pods - Front view

Your go-to source for the latest stories on disruptive technologies and ground-breaking aerospace projects that will transform the way we fly.

Technology for safe and efficient operations

To facilitate the work of aircraft operators and air traffic management, Airbus is developing new, more efficient operational technologies. This includes solutions to optimise flight trajectories and digital air traffic management solutions that can safely and efficiently integrate unmanned traffic and more autonomous flights.

As part of the quest to pioneer sustainable aerospace, Airbus is also investigating how improving aircraft operations can reduce noise pollution and both CO2 and non-CO2 emissions such as NOx, contrails and aerosols.

Aircraft operations at Airbus

The latest in aircraft operations

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Your go-to source for the latest stories on disruptive technologies and ground-breaking aerospace projects that will transform the way we fly.

ZEROe fully electric hydrogen-powered four pod aircraft

Designing the next generation of aircraft

SHAPING THE FUTURE

At Airbus, we are designing the next generation of low-emission aircraft to seamlessly combine cutting-edge technology with environmental responsibility.

Every aspect of a future aircraft’s architecture is being carefully considered to optimise aerodynamic performance and fuel efficiency. From innovative positioning of engines and even foldable wingtips, to SAF-ready open fan rotors and hydrogen fuel cells, each design choice will contribute to maximising efficiency in flight and reducing emissions.

Throughout the design process, we are evaluating the circularity of materials and technology, ensuring that every component is optimised for longevity and efficiency over an aircraft’s entire lifecycle. Lightweight, durable materials that are sourced responsibly will feature heavily in future aircraft, including advanced composites, bio-fibres, and bio-sourced resins.

Equally important is the need for efficient and scalable production of the aircraft. We are enabling this through advancements in digitalisation, connectivity and autonomy, ensuring that the aircraft of tomorrow is both efficient to produce and affordable to fly.

Design factors

Our flight demonstrators

The latest in future aircraft

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Your go-to source for the latest on the disruptive technologies and ground-breaking aerospace projects that will transform the way we fly.

Developing a digital ecosystem

THE DIGITAL REVOLUTION

Airbus is leveraging advanced digital technologies to revolutionise how we design, produce and operate our products. We are adapting our production facilities and industrial ecosystem to embrace digital methods and are accelerating the integration of smart manufacturing, known as Industry 4.0, into our operations.

Our company-wide programme DDMS (Digital Design Manufacturing and Services) sets new industry standards for interconnecting platforms and increasing data exchange, resulting in improved and more efficient collaboration. In tandem, we are exploring how artificial intelligence, quantum technologies, advanced analytics and connectivity can solve design, manufacturing and operation challenges.

This digital revolution is taking place at every level of operations within Airbus, driving innovation and excellence throughout our ecosystem. It encourages teams to embrace digital tools, streamline processes, enhance efficiency and revolutionise production methods. It plays a key role in supporting our purpose of pioneering sustainable aerospace for a safe and united world.

Digital transformation at Airbus

The latest in digital transformation

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Your go-to source for the latest stories on disruptive technologies and ground-breaking aerospace projects that will transform the way we fly.

The Future Of Digital At Airbus

Nurturing an innovation ecosystem

Innovation happens when great ideas, people and challenges intersect. A robust innovation ecosystem thrives at Airbus, fuelled by collaboration and a desire to transform new ideas into aerospace industry breakthroughs. This ecosystem is responsible for some of our most innovative technologies, pushing the boundaries of what’s possible in aerospace engineering and beyond.

Innovation ecosystem at Airbus

The latest in innovation ecosystem

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ZEROe 4 pods - Front view

Your go-to source for the latest stories on disruptive technologies and ground-breaking aerospace projects that will transform the way we fly.

Pioneering sustainable aerospace for a safe and united world

A historic lunar journey is complete! Artemis II carried a crew of four, powered by the Airbus-built ESA European Service Module (ESM) for this landmark NASA mission.

Discover what we achieve on a global scale

Our missions

Launch your career at Airbus

Join us

Are you an innovation builder? Come and help us shape a new path in the design, manufacture and delivery of aerospace solutions worldwide.

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Our latest news and events

In the spotlight

Airbus First Quarter (Q1) 2026 financial results

At a glance

The Q1 results reflect the lower level of commercial aircraft deliveries and a strong performance in our Defence and Space division. The operating environment remains dynamic and complex. We are closely monitoring the potential impact from the fast-changing situation in the Middle East. In commercial aircraft, we continue to ramp up and produce as per our plan while navigating the shortage of Pratt & Whitney engines. In defence, the focus remains on serving global demand by ramping up production across our portfolio of products and services. Against this backdrop, our guidance for 2026 is unchanged.

Guillaume Faury
Airbus CEO
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