France Orders 1,000 Micro Quadcopters for Army

France’s defence procurement agency (DGA) notified Harmattan AI of a contract to supply 1,000 micro-combat drones.

The French company secured the contract through a European call for tenders launched in February 2025. The contract includes delivery of all units between October and December 2025. These drones will be prioritized for units participating in Orion 2026 and will also support training and operational readiness programs.

Designed and assembled in France, Harmattan AI’s quadcopter drones weigh 1.8 kilograms and are equipped with an electro-optical camera. An optional infrared sensor, supplied by French firm Lynred, can also be integrated. The drones have a range of 2 kilometers and a flight endurance of 40 minutes.

The procurement is part of the “Defense Aerial Drones” pact and follows a simplified requirement process launched by the DGA to encourage quick production and cost-effective solutions. The agency held consultations with industry stakeholders in December 2024 to align the project with market capabilities.

More than a dozen companies participated in the February 2025 tender, which prioritized low cost and rapid delivery. Bidders were evaluated based on price, three key technical performance criteria, and a pre-contractual test lasting half a day per candidate to assess product maturity.

The second half of 2025 will focus on full-scale production. Harmattan AI will begin deliveries in October, with all 1,000 drones expected to reach the French Army before year-end.