Writer

Charlotte Bailey

Aura Aero has launched a military business unit, Aura M, which the French startup believes will expand use cases for its electric and hybrid-electric aircraft. The company is working on a dual-use version of its ERA hybrid-electric regional aircraft and it is also working on the Enbata' Medium Altitude Long Endurance drone, set to make its first flight later this year.
Plans for Aura M were first aired at the February 2025 International Defence Exhibition in Abu Dhabi, during which a militarized concept for Aura Aero’s <a href="https://www.ainonline.com/news-article/2023-05-15/aura-aero-unveils-redesigned-hybrid-electric-regional-airliner-building">19-seat ERA&nbsp;</a>&nbsp;was unveiled under the name Intruder. At the time, Aura Aero CEO and co-founder Jérémy Caussade suggested the aircraft could potentially operate in an uncrewed configuration, fulfilling roles such as airborne command and control or cargo transportation.
Speaking to AIN this month, Caussade explained that a defense business segment had always been on the cards for the startup, albeit sourcing financing had proved more challenging prior to Russia’s 2022 invasion of Ukraine. However, he believes the appointment of General Stéphane Mille— former Chief of Staff of the French Air and Space Force (2021-2024)—as chief defense officer is a “strong signal.”
Although bringing the civil version of the ERA and the all-electric Integral E two-seat trainer to market remain the priority, “[defense contracts] could be a way to get stronger, sooner,” Caussade added. Aura Aero is also involved in ongoing conversations with several air forces regarding the potential use of the already-certified <a href="https://www.ainonline.com/aviation-news/business-aviation/2025-04-08/aerobatics-club-receives-first-aura-aero-integral-r">Integral</a> two-seat trainer.
A potential production facility in Abu Dhabi is still under consideration, confirmed Caussade, who recognised “more opportunity for collaboration” in the current geopolitical climate. However, although no firm plans have yet been drawn up for a UAE factory, the company has just received a building permit for a manufacturing and assembly complex at Toulouse-Francazal Airport. This new 538,195-sq-ft facility will support the production of ERA, Enbata, and Integral E.
<h2>Progress on the civil side</h2>
According to Caussade, the ERA prototype remains on track to make its first flight late next year. The design remains largely unchanged since its inception, with the company in the process of allocating a production contract for the metal fuselage. Aura will build the wings in-house, with the first samples expected by the end of this year. Between three and four prototypes will be used for a flight test campaign targeting certification and entry into service by the end of the decade. &nbsp;
When Era was launched in 2021, its hybrid-electric (rather than 100% electric) architecture was seen as reticent by some, explained Caussade, who has since recognized a “level of rollback” in all-electric regional aircraft optimism. He claimed that with more regional airline customers viewing a hybrid system is the correct approach— and “certainly, the only one available in a short to medium time window” —Aura Aero is looking to add more orders to the <a href="https://www.ainonline.com/aviation-news/futureflight/2026-03-02/new-era-aura-aero-signs-first-regional-aircraft-customer">first firm contract f</a>or the ERA signed in early March.&nbsp;

News and developments about airplanes, helicopters and unmanned air vehicles used in all varieties of operations, including airlines, military, business, commercial, general aviation and private.

Aura Aero Targeting Defense Sector As Civil Electric Aircraft Progress

 ‘New Aura M’ business unit supports dual-role development of regional aircraft 

Aura Aero's military business unit, Aura M, is proposing a defense variant of its upcoming hybrid-electric regional aircraft alongside its MALE drone. 

Aura Aero Targets Defense Sector As Civil Aircraft Progress

2024 Corporate Aviation Leadership Summit

Kerry Lynch

News and issues relating to business, corporate and private aviation, primarily regarding turbine-engine-powered airplanes and helicopters. Subjects include aircraft, engines, maintenance, operations, personnel, acquisitions, accidents, safety, security, and training.

200th went to customer in North America

Gulfstream G600 Sets Milestone with 200th Delivery

News about commercial airlines, including regulations, aircraft orders, safety, acquisitions, and mergers.

News and issues relating to the aerospace industry that are related to the science, engineering and business of flight in space involving civil, industrial and military applications, and similar topics related to flight in the atmosphere of the Earth that are not covered more directly by other AINonline subject channels. In other words, both astronautical and aeronautical subjects, except for those aeronautical topics that are specifically covered elsewhere on this website.

On its second flight, supersonic demonstrator flew for 9 minutes

NASA Second X-59 Flight Cut Short from Warning Light

News and issues regarding all manner of civil and military rotorcraft and their powerplants, including helicopters, tilt rotors and unmanned air vehicles.

Updated Valo model features design changes from the VX4 prototype.

Valo eVTOL Moves Closer to Service as Vertical and Bristow Collaborate

News and issues concerning general aviation, specifically airplanes and helicopters powered by piston and alternative engines (i.e., non-turbine powered aircraft). Subjects include aircraft, engines, personnel, acquisitions, accidents, safety, security and training.

Industry appeals for participation

FAA Launches Annual General Aviation Activity Survey

Rather than quarterly reports, iQ will be offered through a variety of means

JetNet To Evolve iQ into Multi-format Analysis

Charles Alcock

News and developments about aircraft engines, including turbofan, turboprop, turboshaft and piston.

News about bills, laws, regulations and other governmental decisions affecting aviation and aerospace. Topics include FAA re-authorizations, taxes on fuel and aviation activities, environmental legislation, ICAO decisions, governmental mediation of labor conflicts and World Trade Organization disputes and decisions.

In this article

Aura Aero

More In Aircraft

Gulfstream G600 Sets Milestone with 200th Delivery

200th went to customer in North America

NASA Second X-59 Flight Cut Short from Warning Light

On its second flight, supersonic demonstrator flew for 9 minutes

Valo eVTOL Moves Closer to Service as Vertical and Bristow Collaborate

Updated Valo model features design changes from the VX4 prototype.

FAA Launches Annual General Aviation Activity Survey

Industry appeals for participation

JetNet To Evolve iQ into Multi-format Analysis

Rather than quarterly reports, iQ will be offered through a variety of means

Engines Change, Weight Increases for Hydrogen Business Airplane

Pusher propfans have replaced ducted fans in BYA-1’s preliminary design review

Wisk Rolls Out Second Gen 6 Autonomous eVTOL Prototype

Program targets first transition flight later this year

Daher’s First Florida-built Aircraft Expected in 2027

New combined assembly line supporting strong demand across Americas

AIN Products

SUBSCRIPTIONS

RESOURCES

ABOUT AIN