The French Ministry of the Armed Forces has stirred intrigue by initiating an uncommon procedure to acquire intelligence drones. This remarkable step is part of a broader effort to rapidly adapt to advances in drone technology.
Different Acquisition Procedure
Interestingly, this procurement procedure was carried by the Directorate of Aeronautical Maintenance (DMAé), as opposed to the typical Directorate General of Armament (DGA). The contract was ultimately granted to a consortium formed by Survey Copter, EOS Technologie, Delair, and Thales.
Conditions and Advantages of the Market
The new format allows the Ministry of the Armed Forces to procure intelligence drones from suppliers who step forward for referencing. The drones proposed must fall into a specific category, as per the regulations laid out by the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGAC). This setup offers several advantages:
- The Ministry can keep pace with the swift technological advancements in the drone industry.
- The referencing process leads to a quicker acquisition of pre-referenced drones and associated services.
- Referenced drones can be procured for technical and operational evaluation, potentially leading to operational use if the tests prove successful.
Defense Industries Called to Action
The Ministry of the Armed Forces is pushing defense industries to ramp up production and accelerate timelines. The DMAé's contract is aligned with this strategy, asking drone manufacturers to take calculated risks by developing products that not only support the needs of the French armies but also extend beyond their requirements.
Looking Ahead to the Military Programming Law
The Military Programming Law (LPM) for 2024-30 anticipates the establishment of new multi-year contractual frameworks that consolidate the needs of various state services. The goal is to simplify the procurement of small intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance (ISR) drones. A plan is also in the works to introduce a recognition scheme for “trusted drones” by the end of 2024.