MBDA has secured approval from France, Germany and Spain for the preliminary design review of its Remote Carrier Compact demonstrator, clearing the programme for the next phase of design completion, production preparation and flight-test planning. The milestone was validated over the summer, with a first flight still targeted for 2029.
The collaborative combat drone is being developed by MBDA’s French and German operations with Spanish partner SATNUS under the Next Generation Weapon System framework, part of the wider Future Combat Air System effort. MBDA completed the demonstrator design, built representative mock-ups and a digital twin, and used ground testing, wind-tunnel work and simulation to validate the vehicle and initial algorithms.
Results were presented at technical meetings in Spain, France and Germany during the first half of 2026, with customer representatives from the three air forces taking part. MBDA describes Remote Carrier Compact as a platform for escort, reconnaissance and strikes against high-value targets.
The approval arrives as the broader NGWS framework approaches its end, while the fighter element of FCAS remains affected by unresolved industrial and contractual tensions. MBDA has not detailed how production and flight testing for the demonstrator will be funded after the current framework expires.