Drone Forge & Airbus Sign Record Flexrotor UAS Deal

Drone Forge has entered into a significant agreement with Airbus Helicopters to deliver six Flexrotor uncrewed aerial systems (UAS), comprising 17 aircraft in total. The deal marks the most significant single Flexrotor order to date and a significant expansion of uncrewed aerial capability across the Asia-Pacific region.

The agreement underlines the growing demand for flexible, long-endurance VTOL platforms to support diverse missions, from maritime domain awareness to inland infrastructure monitoring.

The systems will be customised for regional operational requirements, reinforcing the role of uncrewed technologies in defence, security and civil applications.

Mission-ready systems designed for operational flexibility

As part of the agreement, the Flexrotor systems will be delivered in mission-ready configuration and engineered to support a broad spectrum of scenarios, including littoral surveillance, high-altitude inland patrols and environmental monitoring in maritime zones.

Each aircraft will feature a heavy-fuel engine optimised for maritime operations. It will enable greater interoperability with naval platforms and ensure access to common fuel supplies in the field. This feature not only enhances safety but supports the logistical demands of expeditionary missions.

The system’s autonomous vertical takeoff and landing capability further reduces operational complexity. It requires only a 3.7 x 3.7-metre footprint for deployment and is suitable for both land and shipboard operations.

Advanced technology integration for enhanced ISR performance

To enable high-performance Intelligence, Surveillance, Target Acquisition and Reconnaissance (ISTAR) missions, the Flexrotor will be equipped with PT-6 imaging technology.

The advanced payload delivers stabilised, high-resolution imaging suitable for wide-area maritime surveillance and persistent situational awareness.

Beyond visual range operations will be supported by integrated Starlink satellite connectivity, enabling real-time communication and data transfer in remote or disconnected environments.

The features make the Flexrotor particularly suited for operations requiring dynamic ISR capabilities across vast and challenging terrain.

Executives emphasise strategic impact

Thomas Symes, CEO at Drone Forge, highlighted the platform’s potential to reshape regional uncrewed aerial capabilities.

“We are fully convinced that the Flexrotor, built on a strong engineering heritage, will allow us to tap into new markets with a proven solution where real-time intelligence, mission flexibility and reliability matter,” he said. “We look forward to integrating and commercialising the Flexrotor systems in the region.”

The agreement builds on a previously signed Letter of Intent between Drone Forge and Airbus Helicopters, establishing a cooperative framework for Flexrotor deployment in Asia-Pacific markets.

Olivier Michalon, Executive Vice President of Global Business at Airbus Helicopters, underscored the partnership’s value, stating: “The landmark order opens a new chapter in our partnership with Drone Forge, reinforcing our shared commitment to delivering cutting-edge crewed-uncrewed teaming capabilities to Asia-Pacific operators. 

“With strong confidence in the Flexrotor’s efficiency and reliability, this force multiplier will drive operational excellence in defence and security applications.”

A force multiplier for defence, security and monitoring

Weighing 25kg and with an operational endurance of 12 to 14 hours, the Flexrotor represents the latest evolution in lightweight, autonomous VTOL UAS design.

It can carry diverse sensor payloads, including electro-optical and advanced monitoring systems and users can configure each unit to specific mission profiles.

The aircraft’s minimal logistical footprint, ease of deployment and endurance make it ideally suited for Asia-Pacific operators facing complex environmental and geographic challenges.

With commercialisation now underway, Drone Forge and Airbus will begin a regional rollout of the Flexrotor systems in key Asia-Pacific markets.

The deal not only strengthens Airbus’ UAS portfolio but also positions Drone Forge as a key player in delivering next-generation uncrewed solutions for the telecommunications, defence and security sectors.

As uncrewed aerial systems continue to evolve, the integration of satellite connectivity, endurance platforms and AI-enhanced imaging points to a future where flexible, real-time aerial intelligence becomes an operational standard across industry and government applications.

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