Maritime defence and security are becoming increasingly interconnected, relying on collaboration between crewed and uncrewed assets. The 2025 Robotic Experimentation and Prototyping using Maritime Uncrewed Systems (REPMUS) exercise showcased how the Airbus Flexrotor Uncrewed Aerial System (UAS) can serve as a versatile and reliable force multiplier for naval operations.

During REPMUS, the Flexrotor integrated seamlessly with command and control systems of the German, Portuguese, and Spanish navies, performing full Intelligence, Surveillance, Target Acquisition, and Reconnaissance (ISTAR) missions. Two configurations were tested: Overwatch Imaging sensors for surface scanning and a nine-inch camera for precision imagery beyond 7 km, allowing real-time identification and targeting.

The Flexrotor demonstrated endurance and versatility, flying over 10 hours continuously, supporting live-fire exercises, guiding loitering munitions, and conducting coastal, harbour, and amphibious operations in both daytime and night-time conditions. Integration with the German MESE Battle Management System allowed live video and positional data sharing, while rapid setup enabled take-off and recovery from a Portuguese patrol vessel in under 30 minutes.

The system also proved resilient under challenging environmental conditions, maintaining connectivity in congested electromagnetic environments, and operating in gusting winds up to 25 knots, thunderstorms, precipitation, mist, and other degraded visual conditions. Over the course of the exercise, the Flexrotor logged 50 flight hours, highlighting its ability to provide critical information quickly and reliably.

According to Oleg Pulzin, Airbus Helicopters’ Flexrotor Marketing Manager, “The resilience of the aircraft is the most essential capability demonstrated here, ensuring we can provide critical information when and where operators need it most.”

The 2025 REPMUS exercise underlines the Flexrotor’s role in preparing NATO forces for future multi-domain maritime missions, combining endurance, agility, and operational resilience in a single, deployable platform.