Defense & Military
Spain Demonstrates Advanced Crewed-Uncrewed Teaming with H135 and Flexrotor
Spain achieves NATO Level 4 interoperability by linking H135 helicopter with Flexrotor drone, boosting defense capabilities and crew safety.
The landscape of modern aerial operations is undergoing a significant transformation, driven by the integration of uncrewed systems with traditional crewed aircraft. This concept, known as Crewed-Uncrewed Teaming (CUC-T), aims to leverage the strengths of both human decision-making and autonomous technology to create a powerful force multiplier. In a notable advancement for European defense capabilities, Spain has recently positioned itself at the forefront of this innovation. A landmark demonstration in May 2025 saw the Spanish Navy and Airbus Helicopters successfully team up an H135 helicopter with a Flexrotor uncrewed aerial system (UAS), showcasing a high level of interoperability and setting a new benchmark for future military operations.
This successful trial is more than just a technical exercise; it represents a strategic step forward in enhancing mission effectiveness, improving situational awareness, and, most critically, increasing the safety of military personnel. By allowing a helicopter crew to remotely operate a drone and receive its sensor data in real-time, the operational reach of the crewed asset is extended far beyond its own physical limits. This allows forces to conduct reconnaissance and surveillance in high-risk environments without directly exposing the crew to potential threats. The demonstration underscores a broader trend among modern armed forces to adopt and refine CUC-T as a core component of their operational doctrine, reflecting a commitment to technological superiority and personnel protection.
The demonstration, held at the Coronel Maté Spanish Army airbase in Colmenar Viejo, Madrid, was a collaborative effort between the Spanish Navy and Airbus Helicopters. The primary objective was to validate the seamless integration of a crewed helicopter, the Spanish Navy’s H135 ‘Nival’, with a highly capable UAS, the Airbus-built Flexrotor. The goal was to prove that the helicopter’s crew could not only receive data from the drone but also take direct control of its flight path and sensor payloads, effectively turning the UAS into an extension of the helicopter’s own systems.
The trial successfully achieved Level of Interoperability (LOI) 4, as defined by NATO’s STANAG 4586 standards. This is a significant technical achievement, as LOI 4 signifies that the crew of the manned aircraft can directly command both the flight of the UAS and the operation of its onboard sensors from their own cockpit. This level of control moves beyond simply receiving video feeds to actively directing the uncrewed asset as a tactical tool in a dynamic environment. This capability was made possible through Airbus Helicopters’ proprietary HTeaming system, a modular solution specifically designed to facilitate this complex integration.
The practical implications of this achievement are profound. It allows the helicopter to remain at a safe “stand-off” distance while the drone ventures into potentially hazardous areas to gather intelligence. The real-time data stream enables faster and better-informed decision-making, a critical advantage in time-sensitive missions. The ability to control the drone’s sensors directly means the crew can investigate points of interest on the ground or at sea with precision, withoutaltering the helicopter’s own position or flight path.
Luis Martín Díaz, Head of Customers and Programmes at Airbus Helicopters in Spain, stated: “The association with the Flexrotor converts the helicopter into a force multiplier, enabling rapid collection and distribution of data in real time to allow informed decision-making, and also reduces the crew’s exposure to dangerous and no-go areas.”
The choice of the Flexrotor UAS for this demonstration was strategic. As a Group 2 small tactical UAS, it is designed for Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance (ISR) missions. Its Vertical Take-Off and Landing (VTOL) capability is a key feature, requiring only a small 3.7 x 3.7-meter area for launch and recovery. This makes it exceptionally well-suited for naval operations, as it can be deployed from ships that lack a traditional flight deck, greatly expanding its operational flexibility.
With a maximum take-off weight of 25 kg (55 lbs), the Flexrotor boasts an impressive endurance of 12-14 hours in a typical mission configuration, with the potential to fly for over 30 hours. This long flight time allows for persistent surveillance over a wide area. Furthermore, it can be assembled and made airborne in under 30 minutes, providing a rapid response capability when needed. Its ability to carry a variety of advanced sensor payloads makes it a versatile tool for data collection in diverse operational scenarios.
This successful CUC-T demonstration was not an isolated event but rather a key component of Spain’s broader strategy to invest in and develop advanced defense technologies. The Spanish Ministry of Defence has shown a clear commitment to integrating unmanned systems, viewing them as essential for maintaining a modern and effective military. This vision is being realized through participation in both national and international collaborative projects. Spain’s involvement extends to major European defense initiatives. The Spanish Ministry of Defence played a role in defining the operational concepts for the EU-funded MUSHER project, which aimed to develop a robust European MUM-T system. The success of MUSHER in integrating assets from different companies and nations laid the groundwork for exercises like the H135/Flexrotor trial. This collaborative approach ensures that Spain’s technological advancements are aligned with those of its European partners, promoting interoperability and shared capabilities.
The technology’s relevance has also been proven on the NATO stage. The Flexrotor UAS was a key asset during the REPMUS 2025 exercise (Robotic Experimentation and Prototyping using Maritime Uncrewed Systems). In this major NATO maritime exercise, naval forces from Spain, Portugal, and Germany collaborated, with the Flexrotor demonstrating its long-endurance ISR capabilities in a complex, multi-national environment. This participation highlights Spain’s active role in shaping the future of NATO’s maritime and aerial operations.
Belén García Molano, Head of Engineering at Airbus Helicopters in Spain, noted: “The commitment of the Spanish Ministry of Defence to projects of this type is of fundamental importance… These advances are not only a response to the increasing demand for more sophisticated and efficient defence systems, but are also a reflection of the country’s investment in talent and technology.”
Beyond international partnerships, Spain is also cultivating its domestic defense industry. Another initiative highlighting this focus is the collaboration between Airbus Helicopters España and the Spanish drone manufacturer Alpha Unmanned Systems. This project aims to integrate the Alpha A900 UAV with Spanish Army helicopters, further demonstrating a national commitment to developing sovereign CUC-T capabilities. By fostering partnerships between major defense contractors and specialized local companies, Spain is building a robust ecosystem for innovation. This comprehensive strategy ensures that the nation is not only adopting cutting-edge technology but is also actively contributing to its development and refinement.
The successful demonstration of Level of Interoperability 4 between an H135 helicopter and a Flexrotor drone marks a significant milestone for the Spanish Navy and the nation’s defense industry. It is a clear indicator that Crewed-Uncrewed Teaming is moving from a conceptual phase to a practical, field-ready capability. This advancement provides a tangible “force multiplier” effect, enhancing situational awareness, operational efficiency, and crew safety in a way that will redefine tactical aerial missions.
Looking ahead, this achievement places Spain among the key players shaping the future of collaborative combat air systems in Europe. The continued investment in projects like MUSHER and collaborations with NATO allies and domestic industry partners signals a long-term strategic vision. As these technologies mature, the seamless integration of crewed and uncrewed assets is poised to become a standard operational paradigm, paving the way for a future where human oversight and autonomous systems work in perfect synergy to meet complex security challenges.
Question: What is Crewed-Uncrewed Teaming (CUC-T)? Question: What is the significance of achieving Level of Interoperability (LOI) 4? Question: Why is the Flexrotor UAS suitable for these types of missions? Sources: Airbus Newsroom
Spain Advances in Crewed-Uncrewed Teaming with Successful Naval Demonstration
A Technical Milestone: The H135 and Flexrotor Integration
Achieving a High Level of Interoperability
The Flexrotor UAS: A Versatile Asset
Part of a Broader National and International Strategy
European Collaboration and NATO Relevance
Fostering a National Defense Ecosystem
Conclusion: A New Era for Aerial Operations
FAQ
Answer: Crewed-Uncrewed Teaming (CUC-T), also known as Manned-Unmanned Teaming (MUM-T), is a military concept where a crewed aircraft, like a helicopter, works in synchronization with one or more uncrewed aerial systems (UAS) or drones. The crew can control the drone and receive its data, using it to extend their vision, perform reconnaissance in dangerous areas, and improve overall mission effectiveness.
Answer: According to NATO standards, LOI 4 is a high level of integration where the crew of the manned aircraft can directly control both the flight path and the sensor payload of the uncrewed system from their cockpit. This is significant because it moves beyond simply viewing a drone’s video feed to actively and precisely controlling the drone as a tactical tool in real-time.
Answer: The Flexrotor is highly suitable due to its combination of Vertical Take-Off and Landing (VTOL), which allows it to operate from small spaces like ships without flight decks; its long endurance of over 12 hours for persistent surveillance; and its advanced sensor payloads for Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance (ISR) missions.
Photo Credit: Airbus
Defense & Military
South Korea Grounds AH-1S Cobra Helicopters After Fatal Crash
South Korea suspends AH-1S Cobra helicopter operations following a fatal training crash amid delays in fleet replacement.
This article summarizes reporting by South China Morning Post and official statements from the South Korean military.
The South Korean military has ordered an immediate suspension of all AH-1S Cobra helicopters operations following a fatal accident on Monday morning. According to reporting by the South China Morning Post (SCMP), the crash occurred in Gapyeong and resulted in the deaths of two crew members. The grounding order remains in effect pending a comprehensive investigation into the cause of the incident.
The tragedy has renewed scrutiny over the Republic of Korea Army’s aging fleet of attack helicopters, many of which have surpassed their original intended service life. Military officials confirmed that the aircraft involved was conducting training maneuvers at the time of the accident.
The crash took place at approximately 11:04 AM KST on February 9, 2026. The aircraft, an AH-1S Cobra operated by the Army’s 15th Aviation Group, went down on a riverbank in Gapyeong County, located roughly 55 kilometers northeast of Seoul.
According to military briefings, the two crew members on board, both Warrant Officers, were recovered from the wreckage in cardiac arrest. They were transported to a nearby hospital but were subsequently pronounced dead.
Preliminary reports indicate the crew was engaged in “emergency landing procedures.” In rotorcraft aviation, this typically refers to autorotation training, a high-risk maneuver where pilots simulate engine failure to glide the helicopter safely to the ground using the energy stored in the spinning rotors. While standard for pilot certification, autorotation requires precise handling, particularly during the final “flare” phase near the ground.
The AH-1S Cobra has been a staple of South Korea’s anti-tank capabilities since its introduction between 1988 and 1991. However, the fleet is widely considered obsolete by modern standards. Estimates suggest the Army still operates between 55 and 70 of these airframes.
According to defense procurement plans previously released by the government, the AH-1S fleet was scheduled for retirement by 2024. The continued operation of these helicopters in 2026 points to significant delays in the full deployment of replacement platforms, specifically the AH-64E Apache Guardian and the domestically produced KAI LAH (Light Armed Helicopter). This is not the first time the aging Cobra fleet has faced safety questions. In August 2018, the fleet was grounded after a catastrophic mechanical failure in Yongin. During that incident, a main rotor blade separated from the fuselage during takeoff, leading to a crash landing. That failure was later attributed to a defect in the rotor strap assembly, highlighting the structural fatigue inherent in airframes that have been in service for nearly four decades.
The Risks of Legacy Training Modernization Pressure
South Korea Grounds AH-1S Cobra Fleet Following Fatal Training Crash
Incident Details and Casualties
Fleet Status and Delayed Retirement
Previous Safety Concerns
AirPro News Analysis
The crash in Gapyeong underscores a critical dilemma facing modernizing militaries: the necessity of training on “high-risk” airframes while awaiting delayed replacements. Autorotation training is inherently dangerous even in modern aircraft; performing these stress-inducing maneuvers on helicopters approaching 40 years of service compounds the risk profile significantly.
We anticipate this incident will accelerate political pressure on the Ministry of National Defense to expedite the retirement of the remaining AH-1S Cobras. While South Korea has become a major exporter of advanced defense hardware, such as the K2 tank and FA-50 light combat aircraft, the domestic reliance on Vietnam-era derivative helicopters creates a stark capability gap. The tragedy may force the military to prioritize the delivery of the KAI LAH to prevent further loss of life among aircrews operating obsolete equipment.
Sources
Photo Credit: Reuters
Defense & Military
Grid Aero Raises $20M to Deploy Long-Range Autonomous Airlift
Grid Aero secures $20M Series A funding to develop the “Lifter-Lite,” a long-range autonomous aircraft for military logistics in the Indo-Pacific.
This article is based on an official press release from Grid Aero.
Grid Aero, a California-based aerospace Startups, announced on January 26, 2026, that it has raised $20 million in Series A funding. The round was led by Bison Ventures and Geodesic Capital, with participation from Stony Lonesome Group, Alumni Ventures, Ubiquity Ventures, Calibrate Ventures, and Commonweal Ventures. The capital will be used to transition the company’s “Lifter-Lite” autonomous aircraft from prototype to a fielded platform, specifically targeting military logistics challenges in the Indo-Pacific region.
Unlike many entrants in the autonomous aviation sector that focus on electric propulsion, Grid Aero has developed a clean-sheet, conventional-fuel aircraft designed to address the “tyranny of distance.” By utilizing standard Jet-A fuel and a rugged fixed-wing design, the company aims to provide a heavy-lift solution capable of operating without traditional runway infrastructure.
According to the company’s announcement, the flagship “Lifter-Lite” aircraft prioritizes range and payload capacity over novel propulsion methods. The system is engineered to carry between 1,000 and 8,000 pounds of cargo, with a maximum range of up to 2,000 miles. This range capability allows for trans-oceanic flights, such as routes from Guam to Japan, which are critical for Pacific theater operations.
The aircraft utilizes a conventional turboprop engine, a strategic choice intended to ensure compatibility with existing military fuel supply chains. The design features Short Takeoff and Landing (STOL) capabilities, enabling operations from dirt strips, highways, or damaged runways where standard cargo planes cannot land.
Grid Aero was founded in 2024 by CEO Arthur Dubois and CTO Chinmay Patel. Dubois previously served as Director of Engineering at Xwing and was an early engineer at Joby Aviation. Patel, who holds a PhD in Aeronautics and Astronautics from Stanford, brings experience from Zee Aero (Kitty Hawk). The leadership team emphasizes a shift away from the “electric hype” of the urban air mobility sector toward pragmatic, physics-based solutions for defense logistics.
“We are building the pickup truck of the skies, a rugged, affordable, and autonomous logistics network capable of operating in austere environments.”
, Grid Aero Mission Statement
The Investments from Geodesic Capital, a firm known for fostering U.S.-Japan collaboration, highlights the strategic focus on the Indo-Pacific. The Department of Defense (DoD) has identified logistics as a primary vulnerability in potential conflicts where traditional supply lines may be contested. Grid Aero positions its technology as an “attritable” asset, low-cost, unmanned systems that can be deployed in volume without risking human crews. The Shift to Pragmatic Propulsion
While the broader autonomous aviation market has largely chased the promise of electric Vertical Takeoff and Landing (eVTOL) technologies, Grid Aero’s successful Series A raise signals a growing investor appetite for pragmatic, mission-specific engineering. Electric propulsion currently struggles with energy density, limiting most eVTOLs to ranges under 200 miles, insufficient for the vast distances of the Pacific.
By opting for a conventional turboprop engine, Grid Aero bypasses the battery bottleneck entirely. This decision allows the “Lifter-Lite” to integrate immediately into existing defense infrastructure (using Jet-A fuel) while offering ranges that are an order of magnitude higher than its electric competitors. For military buyers, the ability to repair an aluminum airframe in the field is often more valuable than the theoretical efficiency of composite electric platforms.
What is the primary use case for Grid Aero’s aircraft?
The aircraft is designed for “contested logistics,” delivering heavy cargo (1,000–8,000 lbs) over long ranges (up to 2,000 miles) to areas without standard runways, such as islands or forward operating bases.
Why does Grid Aero use conventional fuel instead of electric power?
Conventional Jet-A fuel offers significantly higher energy density than current battery technology, enabling the long ranges required for operations in the Pacific. It also ensures compatibility with existing military logistics chains.
Who are the lead investors in this round? The Series A round was led by Bison Ventures, a deep-tech VC firm, and Geodesic Capital, which specializes in U.S.-Japan expansion and security collaboration.
Is the aircraft fully autonomous?
Yes, the system is designed for fully autonomous flight operations, allowing for “fleet-scale” management where a single operator can oversee multiple aircraft simultaneously.
Grid Aero Secures $20M Series A to Deploy Long-Range Autonomous Airlift for Contested Logistics
The “Lifter-Lite” Platform: Capabilities and Design
Leadership and Engineering Pedigree
Strategic Context: Addressing Contested Logistics
AirPro News Analysis
Frequently Asked Questions
Sources
Photo Credit: Grid Aero
Defense & Military
Apogee Aerospace Signs $420M Deal for Albatross Amphibious Aircraft
Apogee Aerospace partners with Australia’s AAI to purchase 15 Albatross 2.0 amphibious planes and invest in India’s seaplane infrastructure.
This article summarizes reporting by The Economic Times.
In a significant development for India’s regional and maritime aviation sectors, Apogee Aerospace Pvt Ltd has signed a definitive agreement with Australia’s Amphibian Aerospace Industries (AAI). According to reporting by The Economic Times, the deal, finalized on February 5, 2026, is valued at approximately Rs 3,500 crore ($420 million) and involves the purchase of 15 Albatross 2.0 amphibian aircraft.
The partnership extends beyond a simple acquisition. Reports indicate that Apogee Aerospace will invest an additional Rs 500 crore ($60 million) to develop a domestic ecosystem for seaplanes in India. This infrastructure commitment includes a final assembly line, a Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul (MRO) facility, and a pilot training center. The move appears strategically timed to align with the Indian Navy’s recent interest in acquiring amphibious capabilities.
The agreement outlines a comprehensive collaboration between the Indian entity and the Darwin-based manufacturer. As detailed in the report, Apogee Aerospace, a special purpose vehicle of the deep-tech defense firm Apogee C4i LLP, has secured 15 units of the G-111T Albatross. This modernized aircraft is a “revival” of the Grumman HU-16, a platform historically utilized for open-ocean rescue missions.
To cement the partnership, Apogee has reportedly invested $7 million (Rs 65 crore) directly into AAI’s parent company, Amphibian Aircraft Holdings. This equity stake grants the Indian firm a long-term interest in the Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM). According to the timeline provided in the reporting, the first aircraft is expected to enter the Indian market within 18 to 24 months, with a demonstration aircraft likely arriving within six months.
A central component of the deal is the focus on “Make in India” initiatives. The Rs 500 crore investment is designated for establishing local capabilities that would allow Apogee to service the fleet domestically. This aligns with the Indian government’s Union Budget 2026-27, which explicitly offered incentives for indigenous seaplane manufacturing and viability gap funding for operators.
The aircraft at the center of this procurement is the Albatross 2.0, also known as the G-111T. While based on a legacy airframe, the new variants are being rebuilt in Darwin with significant modernizations. The Economic Times notes that AAI holds the type certificate for the aircraft, which is the only FAA and EASA-certified transport-category amphibian in its class.
Key upgrades to the platform include: The timing of this commercial agreement coincides with a major defense procurement opportunity. On January 10–12, 2026, the Indian Ministry of Defence (MoD) issued a Request for Information (RFI) seeking to wet-lease four amphibious aircraft for the Indian Navy. The Navy requires these assets for SAR operations, island logistics in the Andaman & Nicobar and Lakshadweep archipelagos, and maritime surveillance.
Industry observers suggest that the Apogee-AAI partnership intends to bid for this contract against established global competitors, most notably Japan’s ShinMaywa. The ShinMaywa US-2 has been evaluated by the Indian Navy for over a decade, but high unit costs, estimated at over $110 million per aircraft, have historically stalled acquisition efforts. In contrast, the Albatross 2.0 is positioned as a cost-effective alternative, with a claimed unit cost significantly lower than its Japanese competitor.
We view this deal as a calculated gamble by Apogee Aerospace to disrupt a defense procurement process that has been stagnant for years. By securing a commercial order and investing in local MRO, Apogee is likely attempting to present a “sovereign industrial capability” argument to the Ministry of Defence. This approach addresses two critical pain points for Indian defense planners: cost and indigenization.
However, risks remain. While the ShinMaywa US-2 is a proven, currently operational platform with extreme rough-sea capabilities, the Albatross 2.0 is effectively a remanufactured legacy aircraft from a company that is still ramping up production. The Indian Navy’s RFI calls for an immediate wet-lease solution. Whether AAI can meet the operational readiness requirements with a production line that is still maturing will be the key factor in the upcoming bid evaluation. The promise of a demo aircraft in six months will be the first real test of this partnership’s viability.
Sources: The Economic Times
Apogee Aerospace Signs $420M Deal for Albatross Amphibious Aircraft
Deal Structure and Investment Details
Domestic Manufacturing and MRO
The Albatross 2.0 (G-111T) Platform
Strategic Context: The Indian Navy Bid
AirPro News Analysis
Sources
Photo Credit: AAI
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