France hosts next phase of Schiebel’s S-300 program
Schiebel has completed the first flight test campaign of its CAMCOPTER S-300 unmanned helicopter in France, a step forward in the development of the next-generation rotary-wing unmanned air system for military and government use.
According to a statement from the company dated December 18, 2025, the flight activities were conducted at the CESA Drones test site in Sainte-Hélène near Bordeaux. The campaign expanded the S-300’s operational flight envelope and brought the program to a cumulative total of 100 flight hours.
The tests in France build on earlier experience with the CAMCOPTER S-300 and were carried out in a military environment. Schiebel said the flights focused on verifying key flight characteristics and overall system performance, a standard phase for unmanned air systems at this stage of development.
“France has been a trusted partner for Schiebel for many years, making it a natural location for the next phase of CAMCOPTER S-300 flight activities,” said Hans Georg Schiebel, Chairman of the Schiebel Group. “Our long-standing relationship with the French Navy and our local presence through Schiebel Aéronaval SAS reflect our deep roots in France, while the S-300 is being developed to meet the requirements of international military and government users worldwide, building on Schiebel’s global experience in unmanned aviation.”
During the test campaign, the CAMCOPTER S-300 demonstrated stable and controlled behavior while undergoing a series of evaluations. These included assessments of handling qualities, flight control response, and overall aircraft performance, according to the company. Such tests are intended to confirm that the platform can safely operate across a wider range of conditions as development continues.
The CAMCOPTER S-300 is designed as a follow-on to Schiebel’s CAMCOPTER S-100, an unmanned helicopter that has been used extensively in maritime and land-based roles. The S-100 has accumulated several hundred thousand flight hours worldwide and has been operated by multiple armed forces and government agencies, particularly for naval surveillance, intelligence gathering, and reconnaissance missions.
Drawing on that operational background, Schiebel says the S-300 is intended to offer increased payload capacity, longer endurance, and greater mission flexibility. The aircraft is aimed at demanding military and government applications, including operations from ships and austere locations, where vertical takeoff and landing capability is a key requirement.
