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
Piyush Shukla

Recent Posts

Top 10 Highest Direct Tax-Paying Companies in India (FY 2024-25)

India’s economic growth continues to accelerate, with the World Bank’s January 2025 report projecting a…

15 hours ago

Which Indian Region is Known as the Paradise on Earth?

India is a land of incredible beauty, with many places for their breathtaking landscapes, rich…

15 hours ago

Mahashivratri 2025 Date & Significance: Everything You Need to Know

Maha Shivratri is a very important festival in Hinduism, celebrated every year to honor Lord…

16 hours ago

Unilever CEO Hein Schumacher Steps Down; Fernando Fernandez Appointed Successor

Unilever, a leading consumer goods giant, announced a significant change in its leadership, Hein Schumacher,…

17 hours ago

ICC Champions Trophy 2025 Points table- KnockOut Stage

The ICC Champions Trophy 2025 marks the ninth edition of this prestigious tournament, co-hosted by…

17 hours ago

Vijender Gupta Elected Speaker of Delhi Assembly

In a major political development, Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader Vijender Gupta has been elected…

17 hours ago