Airbus Helicopters anticipates strong demand for its VSR700 unmanned rotorcraft, particularly for intelligence missions and tasks that are typically monotonous, hazardous, or unsuitable for humans, according to Victor Gerin-Roze, the company’s head of Unmanned Aerial Systems. Speaking at the Paris Air Show, Gerin-Roze emphasized the platform’s versatility and readiness for naval operations.
The firm is also seeing heightened interest in its HTeaming technology, which enables piloted helicopters to control unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) mid-flight. The modular nature of the system allows for easy integration into existing helicopters.
In a notable development, France signed a framework agreement on June 17 to install six VSR700 drone helicopters on French Navy frigates, while encouraging other nations to collaborate. Separately, Singapore has agreed to conduct tests pairing the H225M helicopter with Airbus’ Flexrotor UAV via the HTeaming interface.
Gerin-Roze said the VSR700 is already sea-proven and nearing full operational capability. He added that the naval version stands out as the only drone of its size capable of automatically landing on moving ships without GPS—using deck-mounted beacons—even in rough seas (up to sea state 5, with 4-meter waves).
France plans to acquire 10 VSR700s by 2030 and expand the fleet to 15 by 2035 as part of its defense modernization efforts. The drone for the French Navy will be outfitted with radar, an electro-optical sensor, and an AIS vessel tracking receiver. Initially, four of France’s multi-mission frigates and two future Defense and Intervention Frigates will be equipped with the platform, according to the French defense procurement agency.
The VSR700 is based on the Cabri G2 light helicopter developed by Hélicoptères Guimbal. Airbus has converted the two-seat aircraft into an unmanned system by replacing the cabin with a larger fuel tank and mission systems, giving it a maximum takeoff weight of 760 kg.
“What makes this development remarkable is that we’ve adapted a certified, proven aircraft for autonomous missions,” Gerin-Roze noted.
In addition to its surveillance capabilities, Airbus introduced a reconnaissance and attack version of the VSR700 at the show. Potential future configurations include anti-submarine warfare, surface strike, and cargo transport roles. The autonomous system developed for the VSR700 could also be applied to other airframes, making it a scalable solution. The H145 is next in line for autonomy, with work already underway on an uncrewed version of the UH-72 Lakota, a U.S. Marine Corps variant.
Also on display was the Flexrotor, a 25-kg UAV capable of vertical takeoff and transitioning to horizontal flight. It was recently tested by the French Navy aboard a patrol ship without a flight deck. Developed by Aerovel, a U.S. company acquired by Airbus in 2024, the drone is compact enough to be stored in a vehicle or helicopter.
According to Gerin-Roze, missions could involve the Flexrotor flying ahead of a manned H225M to reconnoiter landing zones. Airbus has spent years testing various drones in manned-unmanned pairings, using its H135, H145, and H130 platforms in conjunction with systems like the VSR700 and Flexrotor.
At the Paris show, Airbus also demonstrated its HTeaming technology. Commercial rollout is scheduled for 2026. The system, which includes a modem and four antennas, allows crews to control UAVs using a ruggedized tablet, without significantly increasing cockpit workload.
“We were careful to design the interface in a way that doesn’t burden the pilot,” said Gerin-Roze. He emphasized that Airbus’ longstanding expertise in cockpit design gives it a significant edge in developing manned-unmanned teaming solutions.
Airbus claims to be the first to offer a system like HTeaming and expects initial adoption to come from defense and security sectors. Civilian applications may follow as the technology matures. The company is also exploring artificial intelligence and drone swarming to enable helicopters to operate alongside multiple UAVs in the future.
