The French army is deeply evaluating the potential of the Aarok UAV, developed by domestic defense company Turgis & Gaillard and introduced at the 2023 Paris Air Show, and the possibility of its inclusion in future military programs. The MALE (Medium Altitude Long Range) class unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) is on its way to attracting the attention of the French Air and Space Forces and becoming the favorite of the Land Forces Command.
Design and Development Process of Aarok UAV
The Aarok UAV is being followed with great interest by the Commander of the French Air Force, General Stephane Mille. Mille states that he has been following the developments of this UAV closely from the design phase to the flight tests and is willing to finance the test processes if the appropriate resources are found. French Minister of Defense Sébastien Lecornu emphasized that the Aarok project is “very interesting” and also considered the possibility of including this UAV in the 2024-2030 Military Programming Law (LPM). Lecornu stated that this budget will allow for the research of various UAV projects, including Aarok.
Aarok's Suitability for Land Forces
Although Aarok was primarily developed for the French Air and Space Force, it is considered to have great potential for the surveillance and intervention missions of the Land Forces. General Bruno Baratz stated that Aarok could be an ideal tool for the Land Forces as a “simple, robust and affordable” solution. This establishes Aarok as a UAV capable of responding quickly and effectively to the needs of the army. It is also believed that it will be possible to integrate it into the future combat operations of the French army.
International Collaborations and Production Developments
The development of Aarok has been accelerated by a contract signed in 2023 between France’s Turgis & Gaillard and Ukraine’s Antonov. This cooperation will enable the production of a lighter, lower-cost version of the Aarok. The agreement aims to strengthen Ukraine’s defense capabilities while also making the Aarok more accessible to a wider range of military users. Jean-François Ferle signed the agreement during his visit to Kiev as Turgis & Gaillard’s military advisor.
Technical Specifications and Operational Advantages of Aarok UAV
The Aarok UAV has a maximum take-off weight of 5,5 tons and is designed for long-duration operational missions with its 1.200 horsepower turboprop engine. This UAV with a wingspan of 22 meters can be stored in hangars that comply with NATO standards. In addition, its ability to be deployed on unprepared runways increases its operational flexibility. Able to fly for up to 20 hours, Aarok can cruise at a speed of 240 knots (450 km/h) and has the capacity to climb to an altitude of 45.000 feet.
These features make Aarok a solution that could be of interest not only to the French army, but also to other NATO members. In addition, the absence of American components makes Aarok “ITAR Free” (exempt from the International Traffic in Arms Regulations), making it an attractive option for international markets.
The possibility of the French army to include the Aarok UAV in military programs and its operational use indicates the important role of this UAV in future military strategies. Aarok, which has attracted great interest for both the Air Force and the Land Forces, is on its way to becoming the favorite not only of the French army but also of international defense markets. The domestic design and technological innovations provided by Turgis & Gaillard to this project further strengthen the potential of Aarok.
