Spanish Navy Tests Airbus Teaming MUM-T Ops

Airbus Flexrotor and Alpha Unmanned Systems´ A900 on the Spanish Offshore Patrol Vessel, Rayo | Photo: Airbus Helicopters

Airbus Helicopters and the Spanish Navy have completed a tactical flight trial in Rota, Spain, demonstrating cooperation between crewed and uncrewed (MUM-T, or Manned-Unmanned Teaming) systems during a maritime operation. The exercise involved the Spanish Navy offshore patrol vessel Rayo, an H135 helicopter and two uncrewed aerial systems (UAS), Airbus Flexrotor and Alpha Unmanned Systems’ A900.

The exercise focused on linking information and operations across multiple domains. According to Airbus, the trial tested the ability to control drones in real time and share imagery between uncrewed systems, helicopters and naval vessels. The objective was to create an operational connection allowing a vessel to receive information from areas beyond its own sensor range.

During the trial, both uncrewed systems conducted take-offs and landings from a moving ship. A pilot aboard the H135 controlled the drones in flight using Airbus Helicopters’ HTeaming tablet. Airbus stated that the system demonstrated compatibility with different platforms by integrating the Alpha Unmanned Systems A900.

The scenario simulated a maritime intelligence, surveillance, target acquisition and reconnaissance (ISTAR) mission involving a high-speed boat pursuit. During the exercise, the Flexrotor and Alpha A900 tracked the target and transmitted live video feeds to both the helicopter and the vessel.

The information collected during the mission was integrated into NAIAD, Navantia’s Naval Advanced Integrated Autonomous Vehicles Defence system. NAIAD is designed to support command and control of uncrewed aerial, surface and underwater platforms within SCOMBA, the Spanish Navy’s combat management system developed by Navantia.

“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.”

Airbus said future work will examine drone swarm technologies and further integration between air, sea and land platforms.