Falco Xplorer will be the first reconnaissance drone to be armed with missiles

Leonardo is making progress in integrating the Brimstone 3 rocket into the Falco Xplorer MALE (Medium Altitude Long Endurance) class drone. Tests will take place next year.

Here's What We Know

The Falco Xplorer will be the first reconnaissance-level drone to be armed with missiles. Luca Picollo, a senior vice president at Leonardo, said that the integration phase of the missile will be completed by the end of next year with tests.

The Italian company brought the drone to the Paris Air Show along with a single Brimstone missile. According to the manufacturer, the Falco Xplorer's final configuration will be able to carry up to six missiles or up to 12 jets.

The drone's exports will depend on the weapons kit, as some ammunition may be subject to US International Traffic in Arms Regulations. The Falco Xplorer itself has no such restrictions.

Leonardo still needs to obtain military certification for its drone. The procedure could have been completed long ago, but the testing programme slowed down a few years ago due to restrictions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.

Tests resumed about eight months ago. Falco Xplorer now flies four flights each day. The duration of each flight test reaches four hours. If ordered, Leonardo will be able to produce one drone per month at the Ronchi dei Lejonari plant.

Source: Breaking Defense