Aura Aero Targets Defense Sector As Civil Aircraft Progress

Aura Aero has launched a military business unit, Aura M, which the French start-up believes will expand use cases for its electric and hybrid-electric aircraft. The company is working on a dual-use version of its ERA hybrid-electric regional aircraft and it is also working on the Enbata medium-altitude, long-endurance drone, set to make its first flight later this year.

Plans for Aura M were first aired at the February 2025 International Defence Exhibition in Abu Dhabi, during which a militarized concept for Aura Aero’s 19-seat ERA  was unveiled under the name Intruder. At the time, Aura Aero CEO and co-founder Jérémy Caussade suggested the aircraft could potentially operate in an uncrewed configuration, fulfilling roles such as airborne command and control or cargo transportation.

Speaking to AIN this month, Caussade explained that a defense business segment had always been on the cards for the startup, albeit sourcing financing had proved more challenging prior to Russia’s 2022 invasion of Ukraine. However, he believes the appointment of General Stéphane Mille— former Chief of Staff of the French Air and Space Force (2021-2024)—as chief defense officer is a “strong signal.”

Although bringing the civil version of the ERA and the all-electric Integral E two-seat trainer to market remain the priority, “[defense contracts] could be a way to get stronger, sooner,” Caussade added. Aura Aero is also involved in ongoing conversations with several air forces regarding the potential use of the already-certified Integral two-seat trainer.

A potential production facility in Abu Dhabi is still under consideration, confirmed Caussade, who recognised “more opportunity for collaboration” in the current geopolitical climate. However, although no firm plans have yet been drawn up for a UAE factory, the company has just received a building permit for a manufacturing and assembly complex at Toulouse-Francazal Airport. This new 538,195-sq-ft facility will support the production of ERA, Enbata, and Integral E.

Progress on the civil side

According to Caussade, the ERA prototype remains on track to make its first flight late next year. The design remains largely unchanged since its inception, with the company in the process of allocating a production contract for the metal fuselage. Aura will build the wings in-house, with the first samples expected by the end of this year. Between three and four prototypes will be used for a flight test campaign targeting certification and entry into service by the end of the decade.  

When Era was launched in 2021, its hybrid-electric (rather than 100% electric) architecture was seen as reticent by some, explained Caussade, who has since recognized a “level of rollback” in all-electric regional aircraft optimism. He claimed that with more regional airline customers viewing a hybrid system is the correct approach— and “certainly, the only one available in a short to medium time window” —Aura Aero is looking to add more orders to the first firm contract for the ERA signed in early March.