Singapore, Airbus to test H225M-drone integration
Singapore’s Defence Science and Technology Agency (DSTA) has signed an agreement with Airbus Helicopters to jointly explore crewed-uncrewed teaming (CU-T) capabilities using the Republic of Singapore Air Force’s H225M Medium Lift helicopters and Airbus’ Flexrotor uncrewed aerial system (UAS).
The collaboration will include a live flight demonstration to assess how such teaming can improve situational awareness and mission efficiency.
In a statement, DSTA Chief Executive Ng Chad-Son said, “Crewed-uncrewed teaming offers the great potential to support more effective air operations in complex environments. Working with Airbus Helicopters, we will be able to combine our engineering expertise to unlock new possibilities in helicopter-drone integration. This synergistic combination of manned platforms and autonomous systems will be a true force multiplier.”
The agreement centers around Airbus’ new CU-T system, known as HTeaming, which will be installed aboard RSAF’s H225M helicopters. The system, which includes a modem, antennas, tablet, and supporting software, will allow helicopter crews to directly control and coordinate with the Flexrotor drone during missions. Airbus says the setup enables a seamless operational link between crewed aircraft and uncrewed platforms.
“The collaboration between helicopters and UAS is a revolution in how we approach mission effectiveness,” said Bruno Even, CEO of Airbus Helicopters. “Synergising the strengths of highly skilled pilots with the advanced capabilities of uncrewed systems unlocks unprecedented operational flexibility,” he added.
According to Airbus, the H225M—already in service with the RSAF—was selected due to its proven performance in complex operations such as nighttime search and rescue in difficult weather conditions. The upcoming flight demonstration aims to validate the effectiveness of CU-T integration in operational settings.
“The Republic of Singapore Air Force has demonstrated on multiple occasions that it masters the capabilities of this aircraft,” Even said. “I am sure that by working with Singapore’s DSTA and the RSAF we will be able to demonstrate the added value of teaming and how it can further extend the capabilities of the H225M.”
No specific timeline for the flight demonstration was disclosed, but both DSTA and Airbus indicated it would be conducted under real-world operational conditions.
As noted by Airbus, the HTeaming system is designed to be scalable and adaptable across different platforms, opening the door to future CU-T applications beyond the H225M.