Navantia, the Spanish state-owned shipbuilder, has signed a memorandum of understanding with Alpha Unmanned Systems to collaborate on the development and integration of ship-based drone technologies for naval applications.
The partnership seeks to combine Navantia’s experience in naval platform design with Alpha’s expertise in tactical unmanned aircraft, reinforcing both companies’ technological and export capabilities.
As part of the collaboration, Alpha’s A900 unmanned helicopter will undergo evaluation for potential adoption within Navantia’s ship systems portfolio. The A900, optimized for shipboard operation, can launch and recover from moving vessels while functioning reliably in adverse maritime conditions.
Purpose-built for ISR and maritime surveillance missions, the A900 can be fitted with electro-optical/infrared cameras, maritime radar, and communication relay systems.
The platform is already fielded by 12 international operators, including naval and border enforcement agencies. It has supported Spain’s maritime safety operations in the Mediterranean, been used by the Greek Coast Guard, and was tested by Indonesia in 2024 for shoreline monitoring and artillery support.
