This article summarizes reporting by Navy Lookout.

Royal Navy’s Heavy-Lift “Proteus” Drone Clears Major Ground Testing Milestone

The Royal Navy’s ambitious push into autonomous maritime aviation has taken a significant step forward. According to reporting by Navy Lookout, the Proteus Rotary Wing Uncrewed Air System (RWUAS) has successfully completed its ground testing phase at Leonardo’s facility in Yeovil, Somerset. This critical development clears the path for the 2-3 tonne demonstrator to attempt its maiden flight, expected imminently.

The ground testing phase reportedly involved the full engagement of the aircraft’s engine, transmission, and rotor systems while tethered or stationary. These tests are the final technical hurdle required to validate the platform’s safety before it takes to the skies. As noted in the reporting, the Proteus is designed to operate in harsh maritime environments where smaller, lighter drones would struggle, marking a shift toward “heavy” uncrewed systems in the naval fleet.

Technical Validation and Design Origins

The Proteus is not a clean-sheet design but a militarized, autonomous evolution of the Kopter AW09, a single-engine commercial helicopter acquired by Leonardo. By adapting an existing airframe, the program has moved rapidly from contract award to ground running in under three years.

According to details highlighted by Navy Lookout, the system features a five-blade main rotor and is capable of carrying a modular payload of up to one tonne. This heavy-lift capability distinguishes it from smaller surveillance drones like the Peregrine (Schiebel S-100). The aircraft is designed for “plug-and-play” mission modules, allowing crews to swap between anti-submarine warfare (ASW) equipment, such as sonobuoy dispensers, and cargo racks for logistics missions.

Advanced Autonomy

A key feature of the Proteus is its ability to operate without a constant data link to a ground station. Nigel Colman, Managing Director of Leonardo Helicopters UK, emphasized the importance of onboard processing in a statement regarding the program’s progress.

“Proteus is equipped with cutting-edge onboard software capabilities… allowing it to sense its environment, make decisions and act accordingly.”

, Nigel Colman, Managing Director, Leonardo Helicopters UK

This level of autonomy is essential for operations in contested environments where enemy electronic warfare might jam communications between the drone and its host ship.

Strategic Role in the Future Maritime Aviation Force

The Proteus program is a cornerstone of the Royal Navy’s Future Maritime Aviation Force (FMAF) strategy. Rather than replacing crewed helicopters like the Merlin Mk2 or Wildcat, the Proteus is intended to serve as a “force multiplier.”

In an Anti-Submarine Warfare (ASW) role, the uncrewed system can perform the tedious, long-endurance task of monitoring sonobuoy fields, relaying acoustic data back to the ship. This frees up crewed assets for high-complexity tactical decisions and weapon delivery. Captain David Gillett, Head of Maritime Aviation & Carrier Strike for the Royal Navy, described the potential of the platform in recent remarks.

“[It] has enormous potential to shape the Royal Navy’s future hybrid air wing.”

, Captain David Gillett, Royal Navy

AirPro News Analysis

The rapid progression of the Proteus program highlights a broader trend in military procurement: the shift toward “digital twinning.” Leonardo utilized a virtual replica of the aircraft to test flight control algorithms long before the physical prototype was complete. This approach has allowed the Royal Navy to field a heavy-class drone demonstrator in a fraction of the time typically required for aerospace development.

Furthermore, the distinction between “surveillance” drones and “workhorse” drones is becoming sharper. While systems like the Peregrine provide eyes in the sky, the Proteus offers physical mass, the ability to move supplies or drop sensors in Sea State 6 conditions. This capability gap has long been a limiting factor for uncrewed naval aviation, and Proteus appears poised to close it.

Program Timeline and Next Steps

The UK Ministry of Defence awarded the £60 million contract for this phase of the Technology Demonstration Programme (TDP) in July 2022. With ground runs now complete as of December 2025, the focus shifts to the maiden flight.

Following the first flight, the aircraft is expected to undergo a comprehensive flight trial campaign. These trials will test its handling characteristics and autonomous behaviors in real-world conditions, eventually leading to trials at sea.

Sources: Navy Lookout

This article is based on an official press release from Orqa via PR Newswire. See the original release for full details.

Orqa Scales Production to 280,000 Drones Annually, Targeting Non-Chinese Supply Chain Dominance

On December 1, 2025, Croatian drone technology firm Orqa announced a major expansion of its manufacturing capabilities at its headquarters in Osijek, Croatia. The company stated it has successfully scaled its production capacity to manufacture 280,000 First-Person View (FPV) drones per year. This move is explicitly designed to address the growing demand for “sovereign” drone technology that eliminates reliance on Chinese supply chains.

The announcement comes at a critical juncture for the global defense industry, which has struggled to find cost-effective, scalable alternatives to market leader DJI. By achieving a fully vertically integrated supply chain within the European Union, Orqa aims to position itself as a primary provider for NATO allies and enterprise clients requiring strict data security and supply chain resilience.

Scaling European Defense Capabilities

According to the company’s press release, the expansion in Osijek represents a significant milestone in European industrial capacity. The facility is now set up to produce the company’s “MRM” (Multi-Role Multirotor) line of drones at mass scale. This capacity increase is not merely a projection but a realized operational status, intended to serve both government and enterprise sectors immediately.

Orqa’s CEO, Srdjan Kovacevic, emphasized the strategic importance of this development for the continent’s defense autonomy.

“This milestone reinforces our conviction that Europe can build a secure and independent industrial capacity for defence technology. We’ve proven that high-performance drone production can be scaled outside of China…”

, Srdjan Kovacevic, CEO of Orqa (via PR Newswire)

The company asserts that this production volume allows them to meet the high-attrition demands of modern conflict zones while maintaining the quality assurance required by Western military standards.

Vertical Integration and NDAA Compliance

A central theme of Orqa’s announcement is the elimination of Chinese components from its ecosystem. For years, Western drone manufacturers have relied on Chinese suppliers for critical sub-systems such as motors, electronic speed controllers (ESCs), and radio links. Orqa claims to have bypassed this dependency through aggressive vertical integration.

The company designs and manufactures its own critical components in-house, including:

• Flight Controllers (FC): Utilizing Western processors (STM32) rather than clones.
• Video Transmission Systems: Based on technology acquired from ImmersionRC.
• Radio Control Links: Proprietary protocols designed for secure communication.

This vertical integration ensures that Orqa’s products are fully compliant with the U.S. National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA). NDAA compliance is a prerequisite for selling unmanned aerial systems to the U.S. Department of Defense and many other federal agencies, effectively barring competitors who utilize restricted Chinese technology.

Technical Spotlight: The MRM Line and IRONghost

The production expansion focuses heavily on the MRM 1-5 (Multi-Role Multirotor 5-inch) platform. Based on technical specifications released by the company, this drone is a 5-inch quadcopter designed for durability and versatility. Unlike consumer camera drones, the MRM line utilizes a rugged carbon fiber frame suitable for kinetic applications, surveillance, and rigorous pilot training.

A key differentiator highlighted in the company’s background materials is the “IRONghost” communication protocol. Developed following Orqa’s 2020 acquisition of ImmersionRC, this sub-GHz command link is engineered to be resilient against Electronic Warfare (EW) and jamming. In the context of modern warfare, particularly the conflict in Ukraine, resistance to jamming is often the deciding factor in a drone’s effectiveness.

AirPro News Analysis: The Geopolitical Shift

The following is analysis by AirPro News regarding the market context of this announcement.

Orqa’s expansion to 280,000 units annually is more than a manufacturing statistic; it is a direct response to the “War Economy” driven by the conflict in Ukraine. The war has demonstrated that small, inexpensive FPV drones are consumable munitions rather than permanent assets. Western defense primes have historically struggled to produce low-cost hardware at the volume required for this type of warfare, leaving a vacuum often filled by modified Chinese consumer electronics.

By securing €5.8 million in seed funding from investors like Lightspeed Venture Partners and defense-focused funds, Orqa is validating the thesis that “dual-use” technology, tech that bridges the gap between hobbyist agility and military grade security, is the future of small-scale air superiority. If Orqa can maintain quality at this volume, they may successfully challenge DJI’s hegemony in the enterprise and government sectors where security clearance outweighs raw price.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the significance of NDAA compliance?

NDAA compliance refers to adherence to the U.S. National Defense Authorization Act, which prohibits the use of components from specific Chinese companies in defense hardware. Compliance allows Orqa to sell to the U.S. government.

Where are Orqa drones manufactured?

The drones are manufactured at the company’s headquarters in Osijek, Croatia. The company has also indicated plans to establish a U.S. manufacturing presence in the future.

What is the production capacity of the new facility?

As of December 2025, the facility is capable of producing 280,000 drones annually.

Sources

• PR Newswire

AERO Asia 2025 Takes Flight, The Low-Altitude Economy Takes Center Stage

We are witnessing a pivotal moment in the global general aviation sector as AERO Asia 2025 officially opens its doors today, November 27, 2025, at the Zhuhai International Airshow Center. Organized through a strategic joint venture between Messe Frankfurt (HK) Ltd and Zhuhai Airshow Group Co Ltd, this event has rapidly evolved into a premier platform for the industry. The show’s second edition has nearly doubled in scale compared to its 2023 debut, a clear indicator of the surging interest and investment in Asian aviation markets.

The event, running through November 30, hosts over 380 exhibitors from 22 countries and regions, occupying a sprawling 60,000 square meters of exhibition space. With more than 170 dynamic and static aircraft on display, the show serves as a critical bridge connecting global general aviation (GA) enterprises with the burgeoning demands of the Chinese market. We see this expansion not merely as a trade show statistic, but as a reflection of a broader economic shift toward sustainable and urban air mobility solutions.

At the heart of this year’s exhibition is the concept of the “Low-Altitude Economy,” a sector that has recently been prioritized by China’s central government. By focusing on flight activities below 3,000 meters, encompassing drones, eVTOLs (electric vertical take-off and landing aircraft), and helicopters, AERO Asia 2025 is positioning itself as the operational hub for this “strategic emerging industry.”

The Economic Engine: Policy and Projections

The driving force behind the rapid expansion of AERO Asia is the strategic push for the Low-Altitude Economy within the Greater Bay Area (GBA) and across China. The sector has been designated a priority in China’s 15th Five-Year Plan (2026–2030), signaling long-term governmental support for infrastructure and regulatory development. This policy framework provides the stability required for international and domestic companies to invest heavily in research and development.

Market projections underscore the significance of this sector. Data from the Civil Aviation Administration of China (CAAC) suggests that the low-altitude market is on track to reach approximately 1.5 trillion yuan (roughly $210 billion USD) by the end of 2025. Looking further ahead, forecasts predict the market could swell to 3.5 trillion yuan by 2035. These figures illustrate why Zhuhai, already famous for its massive military and commercial airshows, is aggressively cultivating an image as the center for General Aviation and Advanced Air Mobility (AAM).

We observe that this economic potential is attracting a diverse range of participants, from established state-owned enterprises to agile, high-growth startups. The convergence of policy support and market demand has created a fertile environment for innovation, particularly in the realm of electric and hybrid propulsion systems.

“The show’s expanded second edition is testament to the vast potential of general aviation in Asia-Pacific and China’s world-leading ‘low-altitude economy’… We fully expect AERO Asia to go from strength to strength.”, Ms. Wendy Wen, Managing Director, Messe Frankfurt (HK) Ltd.

Technological Frontiers: eVTOLs and Hybrid Systems

The exhibition floor this year is dominated by advancements in Advanced Air Mobility (AAM), with several companies using AERO Asia 2025 as a launchpad for new technologies. A standout example is the Zero Gravity Aircraft Industry (Zero-G), which is debuting the ZG-T6. This 6-seater tilt-rotor eVTOL is designed specifically for future air taxi services, representing the third tier of Zero-G’s strategy, which also includes electric trainer aircraft and tourism-focused eVTOLs.

Addressing the critical industry challenge of “range anxiety,” Shangshi Aerospace has unveiled significant power innovations, including the TP800 Turbine Propeller Power System and the GTG800, a 600kW-class turbogenerator. These systems are vital for the development of hybrid-electric aircraft, offering a bridge between traditional combustion engines and fully electric solutions. By extending the operational range of aircraft, these technologies make regional air mobility a more practical reality in the near term.

Commercialization is also a major theme, with Volant Aerotech conducting signing ceremonies for its VE25-100 passenger eVTOL. Having secured significant orders, Volant is positioning itself as a frontrunner in the race to bring air taxis to market. Additionally, Chenxiang Aerospace is highlighting the integration of ground and air systems with the launch of the CXBOX25-1, a next-generation vehicle-mounted drone, showcasing the versatility of unmanned systems in logistics and surveillance.

Global Collaboration and Industry Standards

Beyond the hardware, AERO Asia 2025 emphasizes the importance of international dialogue and safety standards. The event features a robust fringe program, including the “Future of Advanced Air Mobility” forum. Here, industry leaders from SkyDrive (Japan), Volocopter (Germany), and Eve Air Mobility (Brazil) are gathering to discuss the regulatory ecosystems necessary to support AAM across the Asia-Pacific region. We believe these discussions are crucial for harmonizing regulations and ensuring cross-border operability.

Safety remains a paramount concern as the skies become busier. The GABA Safety International Symposium, organized by the Asian Business Aviation Association (AsBAA), is addressing safety standards specifically for the low-altitude sector. Furthermore, the Sustainable Aviation Forum is exploring the commercial potential of green aviation technologies, aligning with global decarbonization goals.

The event also offers spectacle alongside business, with aerobatic displays serving to demonstrate the capabilities of modern aircraft. The South African AERO Aerobatic Team, led by champion pilot Mark Hensman, is performing in Zhuhai for the first time. They are joined by the Chinese Red Star Aerobatic Team, notable for being the first civilian team to utilize the domestically manufactured CJ-6 aircraft, symbolizing the maturity of China’s indigenous aviation manufacturing.

Concluding Section

As AERO Asia 2025 continues through the week, it is clear that the event has established itself as a cornerstone for the Asian general aviation market. The doubling of exhibitors and the high profile of the technologies on display reflect a sector that is moving rapidly from concept to commercial reality. The strong focus on the Low-Altitude Economy aligns perfectly with regional economic strategies, promising substantial growth over the next decade.

We anticipate that the innovations and partnerships forged in Zhuhai this week will have lasting ripples throughout the industry. As regulatory frameworks mature and technology advances, the vision of a bustling, sustainable low-altitude economy appears increasingly within reach, with AERO Asia serving as a vital catalyst for this transformation.

FAQ

Question: When and where is AERO Asia 2025 taking place?
Answer: The event is currently active, running from November 27 to November 30, 2025, at the Zhuhai International Airshow Center in Zhuhai, Guangdong Province, China.

Question: What is the “Low-Altitude Economy”?
Answer: The Low-Altitude Economy refers to an economic zone defined by flight activities below 3,000 meters. This includes the operation of civil drones, eVTOLs (electric vertical take-off and landing aircraft), and helicopters for logistics, transport, and tourism.

Question: How large is the AERO Asia 2025 event?
Answer: The 2025 edition has nearly doubled in size since 2023, featuring over 380 exhibitors from 22 countries and regions, covering 60,000 square meters, and displaying over 170 aircraft.

Sources

• AERO Asia 2025 Press Release