This article is based on an official press release from Airbus.

Airbus and Singapore Successfully Demonstrate Manned-Unmanned Teaming in “HTeaming” Trials

Helicopters and Singapore’s Defence Science and Technology Agency (DSTA) have successfully concluded a flight campaign demonstrating advanced manned-unmanned teaming (MUM-T) capabilities. Announced on February 5, 2026, the trials marked a significant step in the modernization of the Republic of Singapore Air Force (RSAF), proving the operational viability of controlling uncrewed aerial systems (UAS) directly from a helicopter cockpit.

The campaign, dubbed “HTeaming,” integrated an Airbus Flexrotor tactical drone with an RSAF H225M medium-lift helicopter. According to the official announcement, the trials took place in Singapore and utilized a simulated Search and Rescue (SAR) scenario to test the system’s limits. The successful demonstration validates the concept of extending a helicopter crew’s situational awareness beyond their visual range while keeping the manned aircraft at a safe distance from potential threats.

Operational Details of the HTeaming Trials

The core of the HTeaming trials involved a high-level integration of hardware and software that allowed the H225M crew to exercise full command and control over the Flexrotor drone. Airbus stated that the system setup included a specialized modem, four antennas, a tablet interface, and mission software installed directly on the helicopter.

Mission Capabilities

During the trials, which were physically conducted in January 2026 before the February announcement, the system successfully established a real-time data link between the two aircraft. The helicopter crew received live video and sensor data from the Flexrotor, allowing for rapid target identification and decision-making. This capability is particularly critical in complex missions where “eyes on target” are required before committing a manned asset to a high-risk zone.

Olivier Michalon, Executive Vice President of Global Business at Airbus Helicopters, emphasized the tactical advantage provided by this integration:

By leveraging the strengths of both platforms, air commanders are enabled with unprecedented situational awareness in complex missions and high-risk environments.

Strategic Context: RSAF Modernization

This collaboration aligns with the RSAF’s broader “SAF 2040” transformation strategy. The air force has been actively pursuing a “high-low mix” approach, combining high-end manned platforms like the H225M and F-35 with cost-effective unmanned systems. The partnership between Airbus and DSTA began formally in June 2025, leading rapidly to these flight trials less than a year later.

Ang Jer Meng, Director of Air Systems at DSTA, highlighted the forward-looking nature of the success in the press statement:

This achievement gives us confidence to move further to redefine the boundaries of what’s possible for more dynamic operations. The successful teaming is a game-changer for modern tactical operations.

Technical Specifications

The trials relied on specific technical capabilities of the involved aircraft, as detailed in the release and supporting technical data:

• Airbus Flexrotor: A tactical VTOL (Vertical Take-Off and Landing) drone with an endurance of 12–14 hours in its ISTAR configuration. It requires a launch footprint of only 12×12 feet.
• H225M Helicopter: A combat-proven medium-lift platform used by the RSAF for Combat Search and Rescue (CSAR) and tactical transport.
• Integration Kit: Designed to be “UAS-agnostic,” the HTeaming kit is modular and compatible across the Airbus helicopter range, including the H145 and H160.

AirPro News Analysis

The speed at which Airbus and DSTA moved from agreement (June 2025) to successful trial (January 2026) underscores the maturity of current MUM-T technologies. For Airbus, this is a critical proof-of-concept for the export market. By creating a modular, agnostic kit rather than a proprietary “walled garden,” Airbus positions itself to upgrade existing fleets globally, not just sell new airframes.

For Singapore, this reinforces the nation’s status as a premier technology adopter in the Asia-Pacific region. The ability to retrofit the existing H225M fleet with drone-control capabilities effectively acts as a force multiplier, expanding the fleet’s reconnaissance reach without the cost of acquiring additional manned surveillance aircraft.

Sources

Sources: Airbus Press Release