Europe Looks Ahead with VANTAGE, the Advanced Long-Range Drone Project

A pan-European consortium, coordinated by Latvijas Mobilais Telefons (LMT), has secured substantial funding from the European Defence Fund (EDF) to launch the VANTAGE project that is an ambitious initiative to develop the next generation of tactical unmanned aerial systems (UAS) for European defence.

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Awarded under the EDF’s 2024 call for collaborative defence research and development, the VANTAGE project brings together leading partners from across Europe. With an estimated total project cost of €10.88 million and a maximum EU contribution of €10.09 million, this project marks a significant step forward in Europe’s pursuit of technological superiority and operational autonomy on the modern battlefield.

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The VANTAGE project will deliver a modular, long-range, vertical take-off and landing (VTOL) drone platform, capable of executing a broad range of command, control, communications, computers, intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (C4ISR) missions, as well as kinetic strikes. The platform is being designed for maximum adaptability, allowing for the seamless integration of new sensors and navigation systems to ensure optimal performance in diverse environments, including GPS-denied scenarios.

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“The VANTAGE project goes beyond technological innovation; it marks a strategic leap that positions Europe at the forefront of defence development,” said Kaspars Pollaks, Director of the Defence Technology Department at Latvijas Mobilais Telefons. “By bringing together our unique experience, expertise, and resources from across borders, we are building a future-ready capability that will strengthen Europe’s security, enhance operational flexibility, and set new standards for cooperation within the defence industry. As we have seen in Ukraine, UAVs play a critical role on the modern battlefield. We are honoured to lead this visionary consortium and contribute to a safer, more secure Europe.”

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Spanning 36 months, the VANTAGE project encompasses a comprehensive development lifecycle, from studies and system design to prototyping and rigorous testing. A key focus is on ensuring the system’s adaptability and interoperability, enabling rapid integration of new technologies and sustained effectiveness in the evolving threat environment.

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About the Consortium

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The VANTAGE consortium brings together 8 renowned organisations from 7 countries across the continent and include: Latvijas Mobilais Telefons SIA (Coordinator), C&V Defence, CAVOK UAS, Centro de Observación y Teledetección Espacial SAU, Vegvisir, Institutul Național de Cercetare-Dezvoltare Aerospațială "Elie Carafoli" (INCAS București), M3 Systems Belgium, UAV Navigation - Grupo Oesia.