French Navy Deploys New Aliaca Maritime UAS
The French Armament General Directorate (DGA) formally qualified the “Système de Mini Drones aériens embarqués pour la Marine” (SMDM) on July 28, 2022, marking a significant step in the French Navy’s unmanned aerial capabilities. Three systems have already been delivered and are slated for operational deployment in the near term. The program, managed by Colonel (DGA) Eric, represents a deliberate investment in compact, shipborne fixed-wing unmanned systems tailored for maritime surveillance and reconnaissance.
The DGA placed an order in late 2020 for 11 SMDM units from Survey Copter, a French small-to-medium enterprise and Airbus Group subsidiary. The contract, valued at 19.7 million euros, covers both the procurement of the systems and associated support services, with deliveries scheduled through 2023. Each SMDM package consists of two Aliaca unmanned aerial vehicles, a catapult launch system, and a net-based recovery setup.
The Aliaca maritime UAS is designed with the operational realities of naval platforms in mind. Measuring 2.2 meters in length with a 3.6-meter wingspan, and a maximum take-off weight of 16 kilograms, it incorporates a quiet yet powerful electric motor. This propulsion choice not only reduces acoustic signatures—an advantage in maritime surveillance—but also simplifies maintenance compared to combustion engines. The system’s rapid deployment capability allows two operators to have it airborne in under 15 minutes, a critical factor in dynamic operational environments.
Once launched via catapult, the Aliaca can remain aloft for up to three hours, covering a range of 50 kilometers (27 nautical miles). This endurance and reach enable extended monitoring of maritime zones, including exclusive economic areas and approaches to naval task groups. The onboard gyro-stabilized electro-optical/infrared (EO/IR) payload delivers high-quality imagery and video in both daylight and low-light conditions, supporting identification and tracking of vessels or other objects of interest. The payload’s stabilization is essential for maintaining image clarity in turbulent air or during ship maneuvers.
Recovery at sea is handled by a dedicated net landing solution, which allows the UAV to conclude its mission without the need for a runway or complex arresting gear. This method is particularly suited to smaller ships with limited deck space. The French Navy plans to integrate the SMDM aboard its future offshore patrol vessels, including the Patrouilleur Outre-Mer (POM) and the forthcoming Patrouilleur Océanique, as well as on surveillance frigates. There is also consideration for deployment on Mistral-class amphibious assault ships, expanding the system’s utility across different vessel types.
Colonel Eric emphasized the system’s adaptability, noting its qualification for operation in severe environmental conditions. This robustness is vital for missions in the North Atlantic, Mediterranean, or overseas territories where weather and sea states can challenge both manned and unmanned aircraft. The combination of endurance, payload capability, and ease of deployment positions the Aliaca as a force multiplier for surface combatants and patrol vessels, enhancing situational awareness without diverting manned aviation assets.
The choice of a fixed-wing configuration over rotary-wing alternatives reflects a focus on endurance and range. While vertical take-off and landing drones offer flexibility in confined spaces, fixed-wing designs like the Aliaca deliver superior flight efficiency, enabling longer missions on a single battery charge. The electric propulsion system further reduces the logistical footprint, eliminating the need for fuel storage and handling aboard ships.
By sourcing the system from a domestic manufacturer within the Airbus Group, the program also supports France’s defense industrial base and maintains sovereignty over key technologies. The integration of the SMDM into naval operations underscores a broader trend toward embedding unmanned systems as standard tools for maritime domain awareness, complementing radar, sonar, and manned aerial patrols.
