India Joins Eurodrone Programme as Observer

On January 21, 2025, India officially became an Observer State in the Eurodrone programme, managed by the Organisation for Joint Armament Cooperation (OCCAR) and led by Airbus Defence and Space. This development underscores India’s commitment to enhancing defence collaboration with European nations.

Background and Context

The Eurodrone programme is a collaborative effort among Germany, France, Italy, and Spain, aiming to develop a Medium Altitude Long Endurance Remotely Piloted Aircraft System (MALE RPAS). Designed for long-endurance missions such as Intelligence, Surveillance, Target Acquisition, and Reconnaissance (ISTAR), maritime surveillance, anti-submarine warfare, and airborne early warning, the Eurodrone is expected to enter service by 2030.

India’s Observer Status

India’s request for Observer Status was formally submitted on August 27, 2024, and granted in January 2025. The Letter of Approval was delivered by OCCAR-EA Director Joachim Sucker to India’s Ambassador to Germany, Ajit Gupte, at the Indian Embassy in Berlin. This move reflects India’s interest in exploring collaborative opportunities with Europe in defence technology.

Implications for Defence Cooperation

By joining the Eurodrone programme as an observer, India positions itself to gain insights into advanced unmanned aerial systems and their applications. This engagement could pave the way for future partnerships, technology transfers, and joint ventures, thereby strengthening India’s defence capabilities and fostering closer ties with European defence industries.

Eurodrone programme

Programme Name: Eurodrone

Lead Organization: Airbus Defence and Space

Participating Countries: Germany, France, Italy, Spain

Objective: To develop a Medium Altitude Long Endurance Remotely Piloted Aircraft System (MALE RPAS) for surveillance and reconnaissance.

Primary Missions: Intelligence, Surveillance, Target Acquisition, Reconnaissance (ISTAR), maritime surveillance, anti-submarine warfare, and airborne early warning.

Expected Operational Date: 2030

India’s Involvement: India joined as an Observer State in January 2025.

Summary of the news

Why in News	Key Points
India joins the Eurodrone programme as an Observer State	India became an Observer in the Eurodrone programme led by Airbus Defence and Space, joining Germany, France, Italy, and Spain.
Programme Goal	Eurodrone aims to develop a Medium Altitude Long Endurance Remotely Piloted Aircraft System (MALE RPAS) for intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance.
Development Timeline	Eurodrone expected to be operational by 2030.
India’s Role	India submitted a request for Observer status on August 27, 2024, which was granted in January 2025.
Key Personnel	OCCAR-EA Director Joachim Sucker delivered the Letter of Approval to India’s Ambassador to Germany, Ajit Gupte.
Relevant Organisation	OCCAR (Organisation for Joint Armament Cooperation), which oversees the programme.
Participating Countries	Germany, France, Italy, Spain