Antonov will be producing an Aarok heavy reconnaissance and combat drone

3 October, 2023 Aarok UAV. Photo credits: Turgis & Gaillard French company Turgis & Gaillard signed a contract with Antonov for the production of Aarok multifunctional UAVs in Ukraine.

La Tribune reported about this. Jean-Francois Ferle, military adviser to Turgis & Gaillard and the former Head of the Directorate of Military Intelligence (DRM), signed the agreement during a visit to Kyiv. On September 26, Ukraine and France signed a large number of agreements in the defense sector.

Aarok is positioned by the manufacturer as a heavy-class reconnaissance and combat drone.

The Aarok UAV and its armament. Photo from open sources

Due to the heavy carrying capacity of 1.5 tons, the drone can carry a large number of various weapons. This allows him to perform close air support missions, intercept air targets, coordinate strikes, conduct reconnaissance, and suppress enemy air defense.

Due to its carrying capacity, range, and flight duration, AAROK can be used as a maritime patrol UAV. The drone can be used for anti-submarine operations and search and rescue missions. In addition, it can be equipped with a radar.

Aarok UAV.

Photo from open sources

The drone's wingspan is 22 meters, and its length is 14 meters. The takeoff weight of AAROK is 5500 kilograms, and the turboprop engine provides a maximum flight speed of up to 463 kilometers per hour. The flight time is 30 hours, and the maximum altitude is 9144 meters (30,000 ft.).

The drone is unpretentious to runways and can take off and land even on unprepared surfaces.