France’s Direction Générale de l’Armement (DGA) has issued a $21.8 million tender for the supply of 1,000 counter-UAS interceptor drones as part of its ELISA program.
The tender, published on the European procurement portal, calls for industry proposals to develop and deliver interceptor systems capable of addressing current and emerging drone threats. The deadline for participation requests is May 7, 2026.
According to the tender documentation, the French Armed Forces have identified gaps in existing counter-drone capabilities.
“The French Armed Forces have issued the observation that the equipment for defence against drones, in service with the forces, only partially meets current and future threats, both in quantity and cost,” the request states. “The ELISA innovation partnership aims to develop and industrialize next-generation interceptor aerial drones, capable of countering current and future threats such as drones or autonomous remotely operated munitions, and that can be implemented without heavy means.
The ELISA initiative is structured as an innovation partnership, with multiple framework agreements expected to be awarded to different suppliers. The program will cover evaluation of existing systems, initial procurement to meet urgent operational needs and further development to improve performance against evolving threats.
The interceptors are expected to engage targets through direct impact or onboard pyrotechnic charges. The requirement includes the ability to counter drones weighing more than 100 kg and traveling at speeds of up to 600 km/h.
In addition to delivering new systems, the contract also includes upgrades to existing platforms, training and support services. The program builds on ongoing efforts among European militaries to scale interceptor drone capabilities as part of layered counter-UAS defenses.
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Post Image – A Ukrainian interceptor drone developed by Skyfall (Post Image Credit: Skyfall)
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