The SDAM demonstrator, or Naval Aerial Drone System, was tested from a multi-mission frigate (FREMM) by Airbus Helicopters and Naval Group in cooperation with the French Navy, the French Armament General Directorate, and DGA (Direction génerale de l’armement). From October 2 to October 9, the testing were conducted in the Mediterranean Sea aboard the French Navy frigate Provence. Naval Group has already modified the ship to run the SDAM. These sea trials were planned to showcase the SDAM’s surveillance and intelligence mission capabilities, as well as the system’s excellent performance from an operational battleship.
Bruno Even, CEO of Airbus Helicopters said, “We are proud to see that the SDAM and the VSR700 are maturing. The system that we will offer will be able to operate from a frigate and be adapted to the naval missions it was designed for. Working alongside Naval Group and other local partners we are building a robust and sovereign solution. I look forward to further demonstrating the potential of our system and to collaborating with the French Navy in order to offer an initial operational capability by 2026.”