Spanish Navy tests drones controlled from helicopter in boat chase drill

The Spanish Navy and Airbus ran a maritime flight trial off Rota, Spain, using an H135 helicopter to control Airbus Flexrotor and Alpha Unmanned Systems A900 drones.

In a simulated boat chase, the drones and helicopter shared real-time data with the patrol vessel Rayo and connected command systems.

The drill showed practical crewed-uncrewed teaming for ISTAR missions, with potential to expand maritime surveillance and sensor reach.

It also highlighted growing interoperability across air and sea domains for defense operations.