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15. September 2025
French Drone Program Achieves Historic First Flight Over Blois-Le Breuil Airfield
The French MALE (Medium Altitude Long Endurance) drone AAROK successfully completed its first flight from the Blois-Le Breuil airfield, marking a significant milestone in the program. This achievement demonstrates the progress made by the program, essential for meeting the needs of the French and allied armed forces.
Fanny Turgis, President of Turgis Gaillard, described the flight as “a decisive step” in the development of AAROK, highlighting four years of effort to create the first European MALE drone. The team’s dedication has transformed a simple idea into a fully developed aircraft, with AAROK showcasing great maturity during its inaugural flight.
Patrick Gaillard, CEO of Turgis Gaillard, noted that the level of maturity demonstrated by AAROK is the main lesson from this first flight. The aircraft performed soundly, executing a smooth takeoff and impressive climb rate, with all parameters aligning with expectations. These successes instill great confidence for the next steps in the program.
The AAROK meets the requirements of the French and allied armed forces for a large drone capable of performing intelligence-surveillance-reconnaissance and strike missions. Its 5.5-ton maximum takeoff weight, 1.5-ton weapon system, and 1,200 horsepower engine make it unparalleled in Europe. This MALE drone represents a sovereign, economical, and high-performance option to replace American drones in the same category.
The AAROK’s development is crucial for the French and allied forces’ need for long-range intelligence gathering, territorial protection, and combat support missions away from anti-aircraft threats. The financial support from the French Armaments Directorate General (DGA) announced during the 2025 Paris Air Show will aid in continued development.
In parallel to the AAROK’s development, other drone-related news has been emerging from around the world. Ukraine’s 3DTech has introduced a reusable drone interceptor called “Predator Shooter,” which features a suspended unit of 12-gauge recoilless guns. The company’s founder, Oleksiy Zhulinsky, explained that this new technology can shoot down enemy drones, including fiber-optic ones, as well as engage infantry.
The Predator Shooter is designed to be used in various scenarios and has several key features. It includes a suspension unit equipped with six 12-gauge barrels that can fire shells, buckshot, or other types of ammunition, each with its own countercharge to compensate for recoil. This allows the drone to function both as a single-shot device or in automatic mode.
Additionally, the Predator Shooter has been modified to intercept high-speed targets, which has reduced its weight and enabled it to reach speeds of up to 150 km/h. This makes it an effective solution for countering advanced drones.
The drone is currently being tested by Ukrainian military units and has proven successful against front-line drones like the DJI Mavic. Developers see potential in this technology as a means to destroy fiber-optic drones, which remain resistant to electronic suppression and reconnaissance equipment.
Another company, Rheinmetall, from Düsseldorf, Germany, is working on a drone equipped with an air-to-air missile for self-defense and three loitering munitions. The company showcased their system at the Drone Days 2025 exhibition in August.
The drone features a Primoco One 150 platform, which serves as the base for the missiles and loitering munitions. This unmanned aircraft is primarily designed for ISR (Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance) missions but has been modified to include air-to-air missiles and other ordnance.
Rheinmetall demonstrated that their system can carry a maximum payload of 30 kilograms, with the missile serving as the main load. The drone features an optical sensor from Octopus on its nose and four missiles mounted underneath. This allows for effective self-defense and long-range reconnaissance capabilities.
Furthermore, the drone has been designed to operate within the EU’s Blue UAS list, which includes platforms that meet specific NDAA guidelines. This makes it more accessible for military sales abroad while maintaining compliance with regulations.
The Rheinmetall drone system will play a significant role in enhancing self-defense capabilities and reconnaissance strategies for various countries. Its air-to-air missile system will help protect against potential threats, while the loitering munitions provide an effective solution for engaging targets at long range.
Ukrainian military units are competing in a high-stakes program where verified kills against Russian targets earn points that can be traded for new unmanned systems and gear. This initiative reflects the growing centrality of drone warfare and Ukraine’s efforts to streamline defense procurement during the ongoing conflicts.
The points competition rewards battlefield effectiveness while reinforcing the central role of drones in modern conflict. However, critical questions remain regarding the long-term sustainability of a kill-based incentive system, particularly given the psychological toll on drone operators.
Ukrainian companies like Volatus Aerospace Inc., which secured a contract to deliver lightweight tactical intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) drone systems to a customer in a NATO member country, are taking an active role in the development and deployment of military drones. These initiatives aim to bolster American drone manufacturing and promote global dominance.
The U.S. Army has launched a new digital “marketplace” to help match unmanned aerial systems (UAS) with warfighter needs based on mission requirements and verified performance data. This platform represents a fundamental shift in acquisition models, offering soldiers a clear source to compare options validated by UAS experts.
The U.S. military’s rapid push to transform drone access and production is strategically promising but requires sustained capability through alignment across procurement, policy, and industrial execution. The success of these initiatives depends on the ability of the U.S. drone industry to scale effectively while remaining competitive in a rapidly evolving market.
In recent news, European lawmakers have introduced legislation that would make it easier to produce U.S.-made drones for the Department of Defense (DOD) and export military drones produced in the United States to friendly countries. This bill aims to streamline U.S. military drone exports, improve interoperability, and increase demand for American-made drones.
The proposed LEAD Act represents a step towards rebalancing supply and ensuring national security needs are met by domestic capabilities. However, domestic drone companies still face significant hurdles, including high labor and material costs, gaps in tooling and fabrication infrastructure, and the legacy of outsourced production.
To succeed, the U.S. drone industry must overcome these challenges while continuing to innovate and adapt to changing market demands. The successful development and deployment of AAROK demonstrate Turgis Gaillard’s commitment to meeting the needs of the French and allied armed forces.
The world of drones is rapidly evolving, with new technologies and innovations emerging regularly. Companies like 3DTech, Rheinmetall, and Volatus Aerospace Inc. are taking an active role in developing and deploying military drones, while governments and lawmakers continue to push for reforms aimed at bolstering American drone manufacturing.
As the drone market continues to grow and evolve, it is essential to remain informed about the latest developments and innovations. The future of drone technology holds great promise for various industries, including defense, surveillance, and civilian applications.
In the end, the success of programs like AAROK will depend on their ability to adapt to changing market demands while overcoming the challenges faced by the U.S. drone industry.