Garuda, Extensee Partner for Flexrotor UAVs

Garuda Technologies, the US subsidiary of drone company Garuda Aerospace, has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with Extensee SAS at Eurosatory 2026 in Paris.

The partnership aims to expand the deployment of Airbus Flexrotor unmanned aerial systems through a Drone-as-a-Service model across global markets.

The collaboration combines Garuda’s drone technology expertise with Extensee’s operational capabilities to support civil, industrial, commercial and government missions.

Under the MoU, the two companies will deploy Airbus Flexrotor UAVs across international markets. Extensee will support end-to-end operations, including mission management, flight authorisations, qualified operators and pilots, maintenance support, airworthiness management, safety systems, spare parts management and technical services.

The collaboration will focus on long-range intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance, mapping, infrastructure inspection, environmental monitoring, border security and other commercial and government applications.

The Airbus Flexrotor is equipped with vertical take-off and landing capability, autonomous mission execution and modular payload integration. It weighs approximately 25 kg, can remain airborne for 12 to 14 hours and can operate from a compact 3.7 m by 3.7 m launch area.

The platform can autonomously take off and land on land as well as ships without requiring a conventional flight deck. Its mission capabilities include infrastructure inspection, disaster response, powerline inspection, railway monitoring, pipeline surveillance, maritime operations and coordinated surveillance missions.

Earlier in March 2026, Garuda Aerospace signed a contract with Airbus Helicopters to acquire 18 Flexrotor Uncrewed Aerial Systems as part of its strategy to expand its unmanned aerial systems leasing services portfolio.

Agnishwar Jayaprakash, Founder and Director, Garuda Aerospace, said the collaboration with Extensee marks an important step in expanding the global reach and operational capabilities of Airbus Flexrotor drones.

He added that by combining Garuda Aerospace’s expertise in drone technology and manufacturing with Extensee’s operational strength, the companies aim to unlock new opportunities for long-range autonomous missions across civil, industrial and government sectors.

Jean-Baptiste Olry, President, Extensee SAS, said signing the MoU in Paris reflects the company’s experience in Europe’s defence and aerospace ecosystem. He said Extensee’s Drone-as-a-Service model allows clients to access long-endurance capabilities without managing the complexity of ownership, airworthiness and mission management.

The MoU reflects the commitment of both companies to advancing next-generation unmanned aerial systems through strategic collaboration and operational excellence.

Garuda Aerospace has built partnerships with international players such as Thales, Lockheed Martin and Elbit Systems across drone security, autonomous flight technologies and unmanned systems. In India, the company has expanded collaborations with defence and aerospace organisations, including BEL, while exploring opportunities with HAL and BEML.

The company said these partnerships support its focus on indigenous innovation, technology capability development and India’s vision of self-reliance in aerospace and defence technologies.

Garuda Aerospace has manufactured and sold over 5,000 drones and served more than 500 enterprise and government clients globally.