Spanish shipbuilder Navantia has entered into a strategic partnership with Alpha Unmanned Systems to jointly develop and integrate ship-launched drone technologies for naval operations.
The memorandum of understanding (MoU) establishes a framework for collaboration that merges Navantia’s naval engineering expertise with Alpha’s unmanned aerial systems capability, aiming to enhance offerings for both domestic and international defense markets.
Under the agreement, Alpha’s A900 unmanned helicopter will be evaluated for integration into Navantia’s naval solutions portfolio. Designed specifically for maritime environments, the A900 can take off and land from moving vessels and maintain operational performance in challenging sea and weather conditions.
Equipped for intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) missions, the A900 carries electro-optical and infrared sensors, maritime radar, and communications relay payloads.
Already operational with naval and border security agencies in 12 countries, the A900 has supported Spain’s maritime safety and border missions in the Mediterranean and has been deployed by the Greek Coast Guard for coastal surveillance. The system was also tested by Indonesia in 2024 for coastal and artillery defense operations.
