Drone Forge Orders Airbus Flexrotor UAS for Asia-Pacific Defense

Drone Forge’s Inaugural Order of Airbus Flexrotor: A New Chapter in Asia-Pacific UAS Operations

The uncrewed aerial systems (UAS) market has seen rapid evolution in both capability and strategic relevance. With increasing demand for real-time intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR), particularly in maritime and defense sectors, the need for versatile and rugged drone platforms has never been more critical. The recent announcement of Australian aerospace start-up Drone Forge placing its inaugural order for Airbus’ Flexrotor UAS marks a significant milestone not only for both companies but also for the broader Asia-Pacific region’s defense and surveillance capabilities.

On 18 June 2025, Airbus Helicopters confirmed that Drone Forge had signed an agreement to acquire six Flexrotor UAS systems comprising 17 aircraft in total. This represents the largest single order for the Flexrotor to date and signals the beginning of an ambitious deployment strategy across diverse operational theaters including littoral zones, inland high-altitude regions, and maritime environments.

Capabilities and Technical Specifications of the Flexrotor

The Airbus Flexrotor is a Vertical Takeoff and Landing (VTOL) uncrewed aircraft system designed for Intelligence, Surveillance, Target Acquisition, and Reconnaissance (ISTAR) missions. With a maximum launch weight of 25 kg (55 lbs), the Flexrotor can operate autonomously for 12 to 14 hours, making it suitable for long-duration missions in remote or hostile environments. Its compact design allows it to launch and recover autonomously from a 3.7 by 3.7 meter area, whether on land or at sea.

Each unit ordered by Drone Forge will be equipped with a heavy fuel engine optimized for maritime operations. This not only enhances safety and interoperability with naval platforms but also ensures fuel availability in diverse deployment scenarios. The aircraft will also feature advanced electro-optical and infrared imaging technology, providing stabilized, high-resolution ISR capabilities critical for wide-area maritime surveillance and infrastructure monitoring.

Perhaps most notably, the Flexrotor systems will include satellite connectivity. This integration enables beyond-line-of-sight (BLOS) operations and real-time situational awareness, a feature increasingly seen as essential in modern UAS deployments. The combination of autonomous operation, modular payloads, and global connectivity positions the Flexrotor as a highly adaptable tool for both military and civilian missions.

“We are fully convinced that the Flexrotor, built on a strong engineering heritage, will allow us to tap into new markets with a proven solution where real-time intelligence, mission flexibility and reliability matters.”, Thomas Symes, CEO of Drone Forge

Operational Flexibility and Mission Scope

The Flexrotor’s modular design allows it to be configured for a wide variety of missions. In the Asia-Pacific region, Drone Forge intends to deploy the systems across applications such as littoral surveillance, high-altitude inland reconnaissance, infrastructure monitoring, and environmental assessment. These missions are increasingly vital due to the region’s complex geography, expansive maritime boundaries, and rising geopolitical tensions.

In addition to defense and security, the Flexrotor’s capabilities make it suitable for civil applications. Infrastructure monitoring, for example, benefits from the drone’s ability to capture high-resolution imagery over extended periods, while environmental monitoring missions can leverage its endurance and sensor payloads to track changes in marine ecosystems or detect illegal fishing activities.

The autonomous launch and recovery capability, combined with a minimal operational footprint, makes the Flexrotor ideal for expeditionary missions. This is particularly relevant for disaster response and humanitarian operations, where rapid deployment and flexibility are paramount.

Strategic Collaboration and Industry Implications

The partnership between Airbus Helicopters and Drone Forge is emblematic of a broader industry trend: collaboration between global aerospace giants and agile regional innovators. Airbus brings decades of aerospace engineering expertise and a robust supply chain, while Drone Forge offers localized knowledge and operational agility within the Asia-Pacific context.

This order follows a Letter of Intent (LOI) signed between the two companies, signaling a long-term commitment to co-develop and integrate Flexrotor systems into regional operations. According to William Sampson, Head of Market Operations of Airbus Helicopters, the order represents a “new chapter” in their partnership and reflects strong confidence in the Flexrotor’s performance and reliability.

From a market perspective, the Flexrotor fills a niche in the medium-altitude long-endurance (MALE) segment, particularly for maritime and expeditionary missions. Its VTOL capability and compact size offer advantages over traditional fixed-wing drones, especially in environments where runway access is limited or non-existent.

“With strong confidence in the Flexrotor’s efficiency and reliability, this force multiplier will drive operational excellence in defence and security applications.”, William Sampson, Head of Market Operations, Airbus Helicopters

Regional and Global Context

The Asia-Pacific region is increasingly investing in advanced UAS technologies, driven by a mix of geopolitical dynamics, economic development, and environmental challenges. Countries across the region are seeking platforms that offer persistent surveillance, rapid deployment, and interoperability with existing defense infrastructure.

The Flexrotor’s integration of commercial satellite systems is a notable advancement, addressing the regulatory and technical hurdles associated with BLOS operations. This capability is especially valuable in maritime settings where ground-based communication infrastructure is lacking.

Furthermore, the growing importance of crewed-uncrewed teaming (CUC-T) in military doctrines enhances the relevance of platforms like the Flexrotor. By operating alongside manned aircraft or naval vessels, these drones can extend situational awareness, reduce risk to human operators, and increase overall mission effectiveness.

Conclusion

The inaugural order of Airbus Flexrotor systems by Drone Forge is more than a procurement milestone, it represents a strategic shift in how UAS technologies are being adopted and deployed in the Asia-Pacific region. The Flexrotor’s blend of endurance, modularity, and connectivity aligns well with the region’s diverse operational needs, from defense to environmental monitoring.

Looking ahead, this partnership may serve as a blueprint for future collaborations between global aerospace manufacturers and regional operators. As the UAS landscape continues to evolve, platforms like the Flexrotor, supported by robust partnerships and technological innovation, are likely to play a central role in shaping next-generation aerial operations.

FAQ

What is the Airbus Flexrotor?
The Flexrotor is a VTOL uncrewed aerial system designed for long-endurance ISR missions. It can operate autonomously for 12–14 hours and is optimized for maritime and expeditionary use.

Who is Drone Forge?
Drone Forge is an Australian aerospace start-up specializing in deploying advanced UAS solutions across the Asia-Pacific region.

What makes the Flexrotor suitable for maritime operations?
The Flexrotor uses a heavy fuel engine compatible with naval fuel supplies and includes satellite connectivity for beyond-line-of-sight control, making it ideal for maritime missions.

How many Flexrotor units were ordered?
Drone Forge ordered six Flexrotor systems comprising a total of 17 aircraft, marking the largest single order to date for this platform.

What are some key features of the Flexrotor?
Key features include VTOL capability, 25 kg launch weight, 12–14 hour endurance, satellite connectivity, and modular payloads including advanced electro-optical and infrared imaging systems.

Sources

• Airbus Press Release
• Airbus Flexrotor Product Page