French DGA Okays Production of 1,000 Drones under ‘Aerial Drone Pact’

The French General Directorate of Armaments (DGA) has approved the production of 1,000 drones as part of the country’s ‘Aerial Drone Pact,’ a defense initiative launched to enhance domestic capabilities in the drone sector.

The pact, signed on June 17, during the Eurosatory trade fair in Villepinte, was initiated by the Minister of the Armed Forces and Veterans. It aims to consolidate French manufacturers, including large corporations, equipment suppliers, start-ups, and research institutions, to develop a sovereign response to military needs.

The DGA is managing the pact with the support of the Land Armaments Manufacturers Group (GICAT). A launch seminar was held on December 2, at the Ministry of the Armed Forces in Balard, with over 200 participants from across the sector.

The initial projects include producing 1,000 low-cost training drones for the ORION 2026 military exercise and exploring long-range drone technologies. These efforts target drones under 150 kg for potential large-scale production.

Regular meetings will be held to strengthen collaboration and align operational requirements with industrial capabilities.