France Releases AAROK, First Combat Drone (UCAV) Domestic Production

Even though France has mastered high technology in the aerospace sector, including even drones.

However, until now France has never produced a combat drone (Unmanned Combat Aerial Vehicle/UCAV) for its military needs.

Precisely the needs of the French military UCAV are supplied by the US with the MQ-9 Reaper drone.

At the Paris AirShow 2023, the French company Turgis & Gaillard introduced a propeller-powered drone in the MALE (Medium Altitude Long Endurance) segment named Aarok.

Like a prototype, the Aarok is currently being offered to the needs of the French military and local security organizations.

In addition, Turgis & Gaillard also opens export opportunities for Aarok to interested countries outside of France.

The Aarok, which was shown in a static demo at the Paris AirShow 2023, is set to make its maiden flight before the end of 2023.

But for the initial stages, the Aarok will be flown with a pilot on board. The manufacturer will work with regulators to define a test path for unmanned flights.

If the Aarok is adopted by the French military, initial operational capability can be achieved by the end of 2025.

Turgis & Gaillard said that the Aarok's capabilities would be comparable to those of the General Atomics Aeronautical Systems MQ-9 Reaper, which the French Air Force has so far operated.

The Aarok is powered by a 1,200 hp (883 kW) Pratt & Whitney Canada PT6 turboprop engine.

Going forward, Turgis & Gaillard plans to install a Safran Ardiden 3 or GE Aviation Catalyst turboprop.

Like conventional aircraft, Aarok is equipped with landing gear and aircraft navigation systems in general.

As a combat drone, Aaarok can be equipped with a payload that includes electro-optical/infrared sensors supplied by Safran, synthetic aperture radar, signal intelligence and electronic warfare systems.

Meanwhile, weapons for assault missions will include the AASM Hammer, which is available with various guidance, inertial and GPS, laser, and infrared options.

Warheads can also be of different sizes.

The Aarok can be equipped with AGM-114 Hellfire anti-tank missiles and AASM Hammer guided munitions.

From the specifications, the Aarok has a maximum weight at takeoff of 5.4 tons and an empty weight of 2.5 tons.

The maximum payload is 2.7 tonnes, of which 1.5 tonnes is payload for carrying weapons.

Aarok is prepared to be able to fly with endurance for 24 hours.