The French navy, through the French government defence procurement and technology agency (Direction Générale de l’Armement, DGA) and Naval Group, has ordered five additional Camcopter S-100 systems under the navy’s unmanned aviation programme.

Naval Group, as prime contractor and lead system integrator, will deploy and integrate the systems on the Frégates Européennes Multi-Mission (Fremm), including mission management through the Steeris MS system.

Each system consists of two Camcopter S-100 unmanned air vehicles (UAVs), increasing the French navy’s total fleet to eight S-100 systems, once deliveries are completed. The systems will be delivered progressively, starting in 2026.

The French navy has operated and deployed the Camcopter S-100 globally at sea since 2012, when the system was first fully integrated aboard the Gowind-class L’Adroit offshore patrol vessel (OPV). In 2019, it was integrated on the Mistral-class amphibious helicopter carrier Dixmude, marking the first operational integration of a rotary-wing unmanned air system (UAS) into a European naval combat management system (CMS). In 2020, the French navy expanded its capability with the acquisition of two additional S-100 systems, deployed aboard the Mistral and Tonnerre.

The Camcopter S-100 provides maritime intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance (ISR) capabilities and is operated from naval vessels without the need for launch or recovery equipment. Its compact footprint and proven shipborne performance enable flexible deployment across a wide range of missions and different classes of ships.

Lubos Sramek, director of Schiebel Aéronaval SAS in Toulon , said: ‘The French navy was among the first European naval forces to operationally integrate the Camcopter S-100 into its shipborne operations. This follow-on order reflects the system’s capabilities, as well as maturity and the confidence placed in its performance at sea. We are proud to continue supporting the French navy with a proven and operationally deployed VTOL UAS.’