MBDA presses ahead with Remote Carrier Compact drone

Drone concept reflects cooperation between France, Germany, and Spain.
MBDA has completed the preliminary design review for its Remote Carrier Compact (RC) demonstrator, a developmental drone designed to support other aircraft in a range of missions.

The preliminary design review of the vehicle has been approved by France, Germany and Spain, says MBDA.

MBDA units in France and Germany have done “extensive work” on the programme, in co-operation with Spain’s Satnus consortium.

The work envisages a “new generation of collaborative combat drones” that can perform missions such as escort, reconnaissance, and even engaging high-value targets directly.

Images posted by MBDA show the vehicle, which resembles a cruise missile, being launched from a warship. Another image shows four RCs accompanying a tactical transport after apparently being launched from its rear ramp.

“To reach this critical stage, teams completed the design of the RC demonstrator, produced several representative mock-ups, and developed a digital twin of the effector,” says MBDA.

“This progress was underpinned by extensive ground testing, including subsystem tests, integration and structural integrity mock-ups, and windtunnel testing. Additionally, simulation work was used to characterise the RC, validating the digital models and initial algorithms, while demonstrating performance across a variety of scenarios.”

During the first half of 2026 there were several demonstrations and reviews of the programme that involved participants from France, Germany and Spain. Feedback was also gathered from customers including air force pilots from the three nations.

MBDA adds that following the preliminary design review, it will work towards a first flight of the RC demonstrator in 2029.

The RC was originally conceived as a key component of the Next Generation Weapon System (NGWS), the core of the Franco-German-Spanish Future Combat Air System (FCAS) programme.

The ambitious FCAS programme collapsed in June, owing to bitter disagreements between Dassault Aviation and Airbus Defence & Space over industrial leadership and workshare on the manned New Generation Fighter.

“While the initial framework of the NGWS programme is coming to an end, MBDA remains fully committed to ensuring the operational future of the Remote Carrier Compact,” says MBDA.

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