Airbus Signs Agreement with DSTA to Explore Crewed-Uncrewed Teaming Using the H225M

Singapore’s Defence Science and Technology Agency (DSTA) has signed an agreement with Airbus Helicopters on 18 June 2025 to explore crewed-uncrewed teaming capabilities with the H225M Medium Lift helicopter operated by the Republic of Singapore Air Force (RSAF) and Airbus Helicopters’ Flexrotor uncrewed aerial system (UAS).

The new partnership seeks to demonstrate how collaboration between crewed and uncrewed systems can enhance situational awareness and improve mission outcomes through a flight demonstration.

In a media release, Mr Ng Chad-Son, DSTA’s Chief Executive said that crewed-uncrewed teaming has the “potential to support more effective air operations in complex environments.” Through the new collaboration with Airbus Helicopters, engineering expertise can be combine to discover new possibilities in helicopter-drone integration. “This synergistic combination of manned platforms and autonomous systems will be a true force multiplier,” Mr Ng added.

Airbus has recently unveiled its brand new modular crewed-uncrewed teaming system, HTeaming, featuring a modem, four antennas, a tablet and software.

The new HTeaming system will be integrated on board the RSAF’s H225M, allowing its crew to take full control of the Flexrotor. The operational demonstration will be set up to show the efficiency of Airbus’ teaming solution and the added value of cooperation between crewed helicopters and uncrewed aerial systems.

 “The collaboration between helicopters and UAS is a revolution in how we approach mission effectiveness. Synergising the strengths of highly skilled pilots with the advanced capabilities of uncrewed systems unlocks unprecedented operational flexibility,” said Bruno Even, CEO of Airbus Helicopters. “Working with operators to mature these technologies and test our solutions with real life demonstrations is very important,” he explained.

^{Photo credit: © AIRBUS – Anthony Pecchi}