Succesfull flight trials mark milestone in manned-unmanned teaming rescue mission

February 05, 2026 – Singapore’s Defence Science and Technology Agency (DSTA) together with the Republic of Singapore Air Force (RSAF) and Airbus Helicopters have successfully completed the trial of manned-unmanned teaming capabilities with the RSAF’s Medium Lift Helicopter and Airbus Helicopters’ Flexrotor Unmanned Aerial System (UAS). This marks a key milestone in advancing next-generation operations.

The flight trials were conducted in January 2026, just seven months after the signing of our Project Agreement with Airbus Helicopters last June, to explore how manned- unmanned teaming could enhance situational awareness and improve mission outcomes. It validated how a manned helicopter could leverage real-time data from an unmanned drone to enhance a search and rescue mission, significantly extending the aircraft’s visual range and overall mission effectiveness. The trials saw a H225M and a Flexrotor teaming up for the mission. This integration enabled the helicopter crew to receive and process real-time data from the Flexrotor while maintaining direct command and control of the UAS, facilitating rapid decision-making and mission execution while minimising the crew’s exposure in high-risk environments.

As part of the collaboration, DSTA worked with Airbus Helicopters to integrate the Flexrotor system with the H225M. Following this flight demonstration, DSTA will continue to work with Airbus Helicopters to explore further collaboration in teaming solutions to extend reach and enhance survivability in other complex missions.

“The complexity of modern operations demands solutions that can adapt in real time. The successful flight demonstration underscores DSTA’s commitment to innovation and strong partnerships with industry to deliver cutting-edge solutions. It marks apositive step forward in teaming capabilities to enhance the RSAF’s mission effectiveness, while ensuring human decision-making remains at the centre of operations. This achievement gives us confidence to move further to redefine the boundaries of what’s possible for more dynamic operations,” said DSTA’s Director Air Systems, Mr Ang Jer Meng.

“The successful teaming is a game-changer for modern tactical operations. This flight campaign fully illustrates the ability to exploit dual-use technologies to support secure operations. By leveraging the strengths of both platforms, air commanders are enabled with unprecedented situational awareness in complex missions and high-risk environments,” said Olivier Michalon, Executive Vice President of Global Business at Airbus Helicopters.

Photo courtesy DSTA