Airbus Helicopters and Voyageur Aviation have signed an agreement for the first purchase order of the Airbus U030 Flexrotor uncrewed aerial system (UAS) in Canada. Signed at the Farnborough International Airshow, the contract marks Voyageur as the official Canadian launch customer for the platform, introducing a mission-proven capability to the Canadian market.
“This purchase represents a significant advancement in Voyageur’s ISR strategy and an important first for the Canadian market,” said Cory Cousineau, President of Voyageur. “As the first Flexrotor operator in Canada, Voyageur is well positioned to introduce and operationalise this new technology within the realities of Canada’s operating environment. Voyageur’s long history of aircraft operations, maintenance, training, and sustainment expertise provides a solid foundation to support the safe and effective operation of this new technology. We look forward to offering our clients with a rapidly deployable and mission-ready ISR solution anywhere in Canada or beyond.”
“Bringing the Flexrotor into Canada with an experienced operator like Voyageur underscores Airbus’ commitment to delivering next-generation tactical capabilities to the region,” added Dwayne Charette, President of Airbus Helicopters in Canada at the signing ceremony. “As operational requirements continue to evolve, operators need systems that deliver greater reach, persistence, and situational awareness. Flexrotor’s advanced design and its potential to support crewed-uncrewed teaming represents a critical shift in how complex ISTAR missions can be executed. We are proud to support Voyageur as they introduce this proven capability to meet Canada’s evolving operational requirements.”
The Airbus U030 Flexrotor is a high-endurance, tactical vertical takeoff and landing (VTOL) UAS engineered for intelligence, surveillance, target acquisition, and reconnaissance (ISTAR) operations across military, parapublic, and commercial sectors. With a maximum launch weight of 25kg (55lbs) and in standard configuration, the U030 has an endurance of up to 12 hours and is designed for expeditionary missions requiring a minimal operational footprint. The U030 and launch and recover either on land or at sea using a 3.7 by 3.7 metre (12 by 12 ft.) area.
Meanwhile, European operations continue to build up
Meanwhile, U030 Flexrotor has started maritime surveillance operations in the Baltic Sea on behalf of the European Maritime Security Agency (EMSA). In December 2025, Airbus Helicopters was awarded a €30 million framework contract with the European Maritime Safety Agency (EMSA) to provide Remotely Piloted Aircraft Systems (RPAS) services for multipurpose maritime surveillance across the European Union, with sub-contractor operator Extensee. Operations started after a series of successful test flights to validate technical and regulatory milestones ahead of the entry into service, and to support operator handover to Extensee.
The first operational deployment began in July in the Baltic region (covering Estonia, Latvia and Finland), marking the entry into service of the U030 Flexrotor under EMSA service and supporting national authorities with maritime surveillance.
“We are pleased to see the U030 Flexrotor begin operational service under the EMSA framework, marking its first operational deployment in Europe and supporting the critical mission of enhancing maritime surveillance,” said Victor Gerin-Roze, Head of Uncrewed Aerial Systems at Airbus Helicopters. “The start of operations in the Baltics demonstrates its ability to operate effectively in diverse maritime theatres while supporting critical coast guard functions. Through this contract, we contribute to protecting Europe and strengthening its sovereignty, and we take pride in this commitment.”
Images: RHI/Airbus
