Frag Out! Magazine
Issue link: https://fragout.uberflip.com/i/1258433
Unmanned Platforms The Navy is also willing to expand the role of UAVs. Boeing-Insitu Scan Eagle platform is currently operated by Armada Español as three sets of this UAV have been procured. They are land-based (one of them sup- ports the Spanish troops in Iraq) and ship-borne, in case of the war- ships that have a flat deck/helideck at their disposal: the landing-ship vessels, frigates or OPVs. In the future VTOL tactical UAVs are also planned to be procured. They do not require CATOBAR or other complicated systems allowing for a smooth recovery. Indra Pelican, domestically developed rotary-winged UAV systems, created in collaboration with DGAM (Dirección General de Armamento y Material) is one of the possible choices. Four smaller UAV systems are operated by Tercio de Armada. Thales Spain Fulmar X is the largest among them. This mini-class UAV can be used both on land, as well as at sea. The Spanish Marines have procured a single Fulmar X system in 2016 (with two UAVs), to test the solution in an operational setting to define the best use methods for such UAVs in the specific missions usually assigned to Infanteria Ma- rina. 2 Alcotán mini-class UAVs were procured during the same year. They were tested in operational use as well. A similar scheme was adopted for the smaller, micro-class Wasp AE hand-thrown UAV systems and Huginn X1 micro VTOL UAVs. In 2016 the Navy procured a single set of each of the solutions (with two UAVs in each), to develop the best possible UAV employment tactics. In the beginning, all three types have been grouped in a reconnaissance and surveillance company (Cía IS - Compańía de Inteligencia y Vigilancia) of the BCG (Batallón de Cuartel General) commanding battalion of the Marines brigade. Nonetheless, after the implementation of those sys- tems came to a full completion they were divided between the individ- ual combat elements, including the special forces. of the 5th Squadron. The infrastructure at the base in Rota is to be modernized, as of 2021. The new developments will include a new hangar and a building that would accommodate a new simulator. The Spanish naval aviation units are also bound to receive the NH90 NFH designed for ASW/ASuW and patrol missions. Currently, it is estimated that these would not become materialized until 2035. FLOAN is to re- ceive 15 helicopters as such. AB-212 Plus is to be replaced by aircraft lighter than NH90. These are to come in a version adapted for ASW/ASuW/patrol missions. In this case, the Spanish Navy also expects the acquisition of a design that would meet all of the operational requirements. Light Hughes 900 helicopters, meanwhile, are a part of the 6th Squad- ron that conducts training for other FLOAN units. These are gradually approaching the end of their lifetimes. They would be then replaced by the light Airbus H135. The H135 is already in service in the Spanish Army, Air Force, and in the Police. NAVY