Airbus Helicopters and the Spanish Navy completed a tactical flight trial in Rota, Spain, demonstrating crewed–uncrewed teaming capabilities in a maritime operational environment.
The exercise integrated the offshore patrol vessel Rayo, a Spanish Navy H135 helicopter, and two uncrewed aerial systems, Airbus Flexrotor and Alpha Unmanned Systems’ A900, using the HTeaming solution.
The trial validated real-time control of drones and live sharing of imagery between uncrewed systems, helicopters, and naval vessels, enabling a multi-domain operational link. This capability allows ships to access information beyond their onboard sensor range directly at the combat station.
During the exercise, both uncrewed platforms conducted take-offs and landings from the moving vessel. A pilot onboard the H135 controlled the drones in flight using the HTeaming tablet, which successfully integrated the Alpha Unmanned Systems A900.
The demonstration simulated a high-speed boat chase during an ISTAR maritime operation, where the Flexrotor and A900 tracked the target and transmitted live video to both the helicopter and the ship. The data was integrated into NAIAD, Navantia’s tactical integration system for unmanned vehicles, enabling command, control, and interoperability across aerial, surface, and underwater systems within SCOMBA, the Spanish Navy’s combat management system.
“Airbus Helicopters is committed to exploring new frontiers in crewed-uncrewed teaming that brings real added value to customers,” said Fernando Lombo, Managing Director of Airbus Helicopters in Spain. “The close collaboration between pioneering companies such as Airbus, Navantia, and Alpha Unmanned Systems, combined with the trust of public entities like the Spanish Navy, shows our shared potential to strengthen Europe’s role as a sovereign leader in defence. By working together, we are proving that we can deliver the innovative technology necessary to secure a leading position on the global stage.”
The H135 crew operated the uncrewed systems using Airbus Helicopters’ HTeaming tablet, a modular crewed–uncrewed teaming solution enabling in-flight UAS control and integration of uncrewed sensors into crewed missions.
Data from the UAS was processed through the Helicopter Integrated Tactical System, developed by Airbus, which acted as a bridge to the vessel and ensured compatibility with the NAIAD/SCOMBA combat system.
Future developments will build on the trial by exploring drone swarm technology and further enhancing integration between air, sea, and land-based systems.
