Singapore Validates Crewed-Uncrewed Teaming as Airbus H225M Helicopter Integrates Flexrotor Drone.

Airbus and Singapore’s Defence Science and Technology Agency have completed the first live HTeaming flight campaign pairing the RSAF’s (Republic of Singapore Air Force) H225M helicopter with the Flexrotor uncrewed aerial system at a Singapore airbase. The demonstration shows how crewed helicopters can directly task and exploit uncrewed sensors in flight, a capability with growing relevance for modern air operations.

Airbus and Singapore’s Defence Science and Technology Agency announced on February 5, 2026, that they have successfully concluded a pioneering HTeaming flight campaign integrating the Flexrotor uncrewed aerial system with the Republic of Singapore Air Force’s H225M medium-lift helicopter. Conducted at a Singapore airbase, the demonstration marked the first time Airbus’ HTeaming concept has been validated in live flight conditions with a rotary-wing platform, allowing helicopter crews to receive real-time sensor data from an uncrewed system while retaining full authority over mission decisions, according to information released by Airbus.
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Republic of Singapore Air Force H225M helicopter during the HTeaming flight campaign, with an inset showing the Airbus Flexrotor uncrewed aerial system used in the demonstration. (Picture source: Singapore Air Force)

The flight campaign followed a cooperation agreement signed in June 2025, under which Airbus and DSTA set out to explore how crewed-uncrewed teaming could enhance situational awareness and mission outcomes for the RSAF. Conducted in January under simulated but operationally realistic scenarios, the trials were structured to reflect real mission pressures rather than scripted demonstrations. This approach allowed aircrews and engineers to evaluate how data flows, command authority, and decision-making cycles function under conditions similar to those expected in real-world operations.

During the trials, the H225M and Flexrotor were paired in a search-and-rescue scenario, a mission type in which time, visibility, and crew safety are critical factors. The Flexrotor operated beyond the helicopter’s direct visual range and transmitted live sensor data directly into the H225M cockpit. This effectively extended the crew’s field of view, enabling earlier detection and assessment of potential points of interest, while allowing the helicopter to remain at a safer stand-off distance from hazards or adverse weather.

Airbus was responsible for the design of the HTeaming system and its integration into the H225M. This included developing dedicated data-link architectures that enabled the helicopter crew to receive, process, and act on real-time data from the uncrewed aircraft. The system allowed the crew to retain direct command and control of the Flexrotor without reliance on an external ground control station, reducing complexity and shortening decision-making timelines during dynamic missions.

The H225M is a twin-engine, long-range medium-lift military helicopter derived from the Super Puma family and widely used by armed forces worldwide. It is designed to perform a broad range of missions, including troop transport, special operations, search and rescue, medical evacuation, and maritime operations from ships. Powered by two Safran Makila 2A engines, the H225M offers strong payload capacity, long endurance, and reliable performance in hot-and-high environments. Its advanced avionics, mission systems, and self-protection suite enable day and night operations in degraded visual conditions, making it a versatile platform for both peacetime and high-intensity missions.

Within the Republic of Singapore Air Force, the H225M plays a central role in homeland security, regional engagement, and humanitarian assistance missions. The successful integration of HTeaming transforms the helicopter into more than a standalone aircraft, positioning it as an airborne command node capable of controlling and exploiting uncrewed sensors. This evolution significantly expands its operational reach and relevance in future networked air operations.

The Flexrotor is a modern vertical takeoff and landing uncrewed aerial system designed primarily for intelligence, surveillance, target acquisition, and reconnaissance missions. With a launch weight of 25 kg, it is optimized for long-endurance operations, offering 12-14 hours of flight time in a typical operational configuration and 10 hours in an EMSA configuration. Its endurance allows for persistent surveillance and continuous data collection over extended periods.

A key advantage of the Flexrotor is its minimal footprint and deployment flexibility. The aircraft can autonomously launch and recover from land or sea, requiring just 3.7 by 3.7 meters of area, making it particularly suitable for naval vessels, forward operating bases, and expeditionary deployments. The platform is designed to integrate a variety of payloads, including electro-optical systems and advanced sensors tailored to specific mission requirements.

During the Singapore campaign, the Flexrotor acted as a forward sensor for the H225M, providing continuous real-time data that significantly enhanced the crew’s situational awareness. This demonstrated how a lightweight, long-endurance UAS can multiply the effectiveness of a crewed helicopter without increasing aircrew risk. The results offer a concrete illustration of how future air operations may increasingly rely on tightly integrated teams of manned and uncrewed platforms.

At the system level, Airbus HTeaming is a modular, UAS-agnostic solution compatible with the entire Airbus helicopter range. Rather than limiting operators to a single uncrewed platform, the architecture enables the integration of different UAS (Unmanned Aerial System) types based on mission needs. The successful H225M and Flexrotor demonstration in Singapore provides a strong reference case for air forces seeking to enhance existing helicopter fleets with crewed-uncrewed teaming capabilities, offering a practical, scalable path toward more resilient, adaptive air operations.

Written by Alain Servaes – Chief Editor, Army Recognition Group
Alain Servaes is a former infantry non-commissioned officer and the founder of Army Recognition. With over 20 years in defense journalism, he provides expert analysis on military equipment, NATO operations, and the global defense industry.