Turgis Gaillard has achieved a major milestone with the first flight of its AAROK drone, a Medium-Altitude Long-Endurance (MALE) prototype. According to the company, the flight demonstrates significant progress in the program aimed at fulfilling the requirements of the French and allied armed forces.
Fanny Turgis, President of Turgis Gaillard, described the flight as a decisive step in the drone’s development, noting that it reflects four years of intensive work to bring Europe’s first MALE drone to fruition. She emphasized that the team successfully transformed the concept into a functioning aircraft, which already exhibited considerable maturity during the inaugural flight.
Patrick Gaillard, CEO, added that the flight confirmed the drone’s stability and performance. “Everything unfolded as expected,” he stated, highlighting the smooth takeoff, stable handling, and impressive climb rate. The executives said the results provide confidence for the upcoming phases of testing.
The AAROK is designed to support intelligence, surveillance, reconnaissance, and strike missions. With a maximum takeoff weight of 5.5 tons, 1.5 tons of payload capacity, and a 1,200-horsepower engine, the drone is positioned as a high-performance European alternative to American equivalents. Turgis Gaillard noted that the system offers a sovereign and cost-effective solution for long-range operations.
In February 2025, Sébastien Lecornu, former French Minister of the Armed Forces, visited Turgis Gaillard’s facilities and highlighted the project’s strategic importance. He emphasized the need for advanced drones to conduct long-range intelligence gathering, safeguard territorial waters, and provide support for distant combat operations. The program has received financial backing from France’s Directorate General of Armaments, as announced at the 2025 Paris Air Show, to continue development.
According to Turgis Gaillard, the team is now fully committed to advancing the AAROK testing program, aiming to deliver operational capabilities to the French military and allied partners as swiftly as possible.
