At the 2025 edition of the DSEI Japan exhibition, Airbus showcased a full-scale model of its VSR 700 vertical take-off and landing (VTOL) unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV), underlining the company’s wishes to invite Japan to the program.
An Airbus Japan representative told Naval News that the European company is pushing to invite Japan to participate in the VSR700 program. Interest in this solution began at Euronaval 2024 – naval exhibition taking place in Paris, France – where a Japanese delegation met with Airbus to discuss the matter. Since then, discussions appear to be continuing.
The representative added that observers from the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force (JMSDF) had traveled to southern France to witness a test phase of the UAV. What’s more, a letter from the French defense procurement agency (DGA) has reportedly been formally sent to the Japan Acquisition Technology & Logistics Agency (ATLA) and the Japanese Ministry of Defense, touting the UAV’s added value and inviting them to join the program.
According to the latter, the VSR 700 could be an ideal platform for operating from large surface combatants alongside the SH-60K helicopter. The two aircraft could apparently both be stowed in the hangar without getting in each other’s way. The Japanese are said to be particularly interested in the VSR 700’s ASW payload and lifting cargo capacity. The model was accompanied by an ASW pod for hosting ten G-size sonobuoys.
For the record, the VSR 700 has been selected as the demonstrator for the for the French Navy’s “Système de Drone Aérien pour la Marine” or SDAM programme. According to the 2019-2025 French military planning law (LPM), 15 SDAM systems were set to be delivered to the French Navy from 2028. However, following the updated LPM in 2024 the program is delayed, target is now for 8 systems from 2030 to reach the targets of 15 systems in 2035. As already reported by Naval News, the French Navy Chief of Staff highlighted that even though the program seems promising, it is not expected to be in service soon. The French Navy is even considering other option for SDAM, including Schiebel’ S100 which are already in-service and the under-development (and larger) S300.
Even if the French MoD continues officially to promote the VSR 700 program and to support Airbus in its desire to export it, the domestic struggles of the program could discourage the Japanese authorities from getting involved. VSR 700 program has yet to prove itself, but an export opportunity could definitely boost it.
If the VSR 700 enters service with the French Navy, it will be deployed aboard the future frigate, the FDI as well as the FREMM. Two SDAM demonstrators have been produced so far. The companies involved in the program are Airbus Helicopters, Naval Group and some French SMEs: In particular Hélicoptères Guimbal, which produces the Cabri G2 helicopter, from which the SDAM is derived.
The VSR 700 could be capable of ISR, SAR, ASW and potentially light fire support missions at the end of its development. The UAV made its maiden flight in 2019 and conducted automatic takeoff and landing tests from a civilian naval platform in 2022, and similar tests again this time aboard a French Navy frigate in 2023, just over a year behind schedule.
The VSR 700 has a maximum take-off weight between 500 and 1,000 kg, Airbus stated. The VSR700 capabilities are not officially known, but is expected to “automatically land and take-off, fly for ten hours at 100 Nm and carry 100 kilos of payload, i.e. radar and optronics”.
