Airbus Helicopters has launched the first operational European deployment of its U030 Flexrotor Uncrewed Aircraft System (UAS), with the platform now conducting maritime surveillance missions over the Baltic Sea under the framework of the European Maritime Safety Agency (EMSA). The missions support authorities in Estonia, Latvia, and Finland, marking the transition of the aircraft from testing and demonstrations into routine operational service.
The deployment is part of a €30 million framework contract awarded to Airbus Helicopters by EMSA in December 2025 to provide Remotely Piloted Aircraft Systems (RPAS) services for multi-purpose maritime surveillance across the European Union. Airbus is delivering the capability in partnership with French operator Extensee, which is responsible for operating the aircraft, while Airbus oversees mission management and coordination.
Maritime security across the Baltic
The programme entered service following a series of validation flights that confirmed the technical and regulatory requirements needed for operational deployment. With those trials completed, the U030 Flexrotor is now providing surveillance data to national authorities responsible for monitoring one of Europe’s most strategically important maritime regions.I
The aircraft is equipped with electro-optical, infrared, and radar sensors. It transmits intelligence in real time to the EMSA RPAS Data Centre. Authorities participating in the programme can monitor missions live and integrate the collected information into their operational decision-making processes.
The surveillance service is designed to support a broad range of maritime tasks, including search and rescue operations, fisheries enforcement, environmental monitoring, maritime traffic surveillance, and the detection of illegal activities at sea.
Designed for long-endurance operations
The U030 Flexrotor is a Group 2 tactical vertical take-off and landing (VTOL) uncrewed aircraft with a maximum take-off weight of 25 kilograms. Designed primarily for intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance (ISR) missions, it can remain airborne for more than 12 hours in a typical operational configuration.
Its compact design allows fully autonomous take-offs and landings from confined spaces on land or aboard ships without dedicated flight decks, requiring only a 3.7 x 3.7 metre operating area. The modular payload architecture also enables operators to configure the aircraft with different sensor packages depending on mission requirements.
“We are pleased to see the U030 Flexrotor begin operational service under the EMSA framework, marking its first operational deployment in Europe and supporting the critical mission of enhancing maritime surveillance,” said Victor Gerin-Roze, Head of Uncrewed Aerial Systems at Airbus Helicopters. “The start of operations in the Baltics demonstrates its ability to operate effectively in diverse maritime theatres while supporting critical coast guard functions. Through this contract, we contribute to protecting Europe and strengthening its sovereignty, and we take pride in this commitment.”