Charles Alcock is managing editor of the AIN Media Group, having rejoined the company in 2019. He has been an aviation journalist since 1986, and previously worked for AIN from 1990 to 2017, most recently as editor-in-chief. His main focus is on covering new aviation technology and business models, as well as international news.
Having been raised in the London area, Alcock studied at the University of Manchester in the UK and earned an honors degree in Politics and Modern History. He speaks English and French, and some German.

Managing Editor

Charles Alcock

France’s DGA defense procurement agency has selected Daher and Thales as the main partners in a consortium to develop a medium-altitude long endurance (MALE) drone demonstrator. As part of efforts to expedite the availability of sovereign French capability by 2030, the partners have committed to conducting a remotely-piloted flight demonstration and providing a full technical specification by the end of 2026.
Daher will provide an as-yet unspecified aircraft platform to be combined with Thales’ ground station, ground-to-air data link, and flight control system. DGA said the forthcoming MALE platform is intended to complement France’s current drone capability.
At a Paris Air Show media briefing on Wednesday, Daher said the requirement is to use a “plug-and-fly” solution based on an aircraft already certified under EASA’s CS23 general aviation rules. The company indicated that it may be able to accelerate the program and achieve a flight demonstration in just six months.
The new MALE platform will be certified on an ITAR-free basis, meaning that the U.S. government will now have control over the technology’s use. It would be suitable for either piloted or uncrewed operations.
“With more than 30 years of experience with our TBM and Kodiak products, Daher is now a key strategic player in the development and delivery of MALE drones,” said Nicolas Chabbert, senior v-p of Daher’s aircraft division. “We provide a sovereign, mature, and agile response to today’s strategic challenges.”
In 2024, military activities accounted for 15.5% of Daher’s revenues, generating €300 million ($345 million).

News and issues relating to civil and military unmanned aircraft systems (UAS), unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) and remotely piloted aircraft systems (RPAS) of all kinds and sizes, including those used for intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance (ISR), combat (unmanned combat air vehicles, or UCAVs), law enforcement, research and other applications. Of particular focus is the FAA's planned integration of UAS into the U.S. national airspace system.

France Contracts Daher and Thales To Develop Sovereign MALE Drone

A demonstrator is expected to be available for flight testing no later than the end of 2026

Expediting efforts to have sovereign drone capability, France has awarded Daher and Thales a contract to develop a MALE drone demonstrator.

France Contracts Daher and Thales To Develop MALE Drone

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