Spanish firm to provide resilient guidance and navigation systems for next-gen tactical VTOL dron
UAV Navigation Selected for Key Role in VANTAGE Defense Project
UAV Navigation–Grupo Oesía has been selected as a core technology provider for the VANTAGE project, a major European initiative to develop advanced tactical VTOL (vertical take-off and landing) unmanned aerial vehicles. The project, backed by the European Defence Fund (EDF), aims to create a new generation of UAVs capable of operating in complex battlefield environments.
Led by Latvian telecommunications provider Latvijas Mobilais Telefons (LMT), the VANTAGE project focuses on building a modular VTOL platform designed for a wide range of military missions. These include intelligence gathering, surveillance, reconnaissance, and even kinetic strikes.
Technology for Tough Environments
UAV Navigation–Grupo Oesía will contribute advanced guidance, navigation, and control (GNC) systems. These systems are built to ensure reliable performance even when global navigation satellite systems (GNSS) are unavailable or disrupted. This is especially critical in modern combat zones, where GPS jamming and denial are common.
The company’s technology enables the drone to fly autonomously and return safely even when communication links are lost. “At UAV Navigation, we are proud to contribute our cutting-edge technology at the core of the VANTAGE project, a crucial effort to enhance European security and set new standards in unmanned aerial system capabilities,” said Miguel Ángel de Frutos, Director & CTO at UAV Navigation – Grupo Oesía. “Our guidance and navigation solution is essential for enabling UAVs to perform coordinated, resilient autonomous operations on the battlefield of the future, delivering precision and reliability when it matters most, with proven operational capability and a commitment to European strategic autonomy.”
Advanced Autonomous Features
The new VTOL platform will also include UAV Navigation’s advanced algorithms to enable autonomous flight functions. These include:
Sense-and-avoid systems for obstacle detection
Dynamic flight replanning to adjust to real-time mission changes
Swarm capabilities that allow multiple drones to operate together
These features support complex tactical operations while also maintaining strong safety standards. The system includes manual override mechanisms to ensure that human operators can always step in when needed, especially in high-risk situations.
Consortium Unites European Leaders
The VANTAGE project includes a wide range of partners from across Europe. In addition to UAV Navigation–Grupo Oesía and coordinator LMT, the consortium includes:
Together, these organizations are working to improve Europe’s strategic autonomy and technological edge in defense.
About UAV Navigation–Grupo Oesía
Since 2004, UAV Navigation–Grupo Oesía has focused on high-precision GNC systems for unmanned aerial vehicles. Its solutions are used by leading aerospace manufacturers around the world.
The company is part of Grupo Oesía, a Spanish multinational with operations in over 40 countries. Grupo Oesía specializes in digital and industrial engineering for both civilian and defense applications. Its technology has been used in major European defense programs, including the Eurofighter EF-2000 and the Eurodrone project.
With the VANTAGE project, UAV Navigation–Grupo Oesía continues to grow its role as a key contributor to Europe’s future defense capabilities.
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Miriam McNabb is the Editor-in-Chief of DRONELIFE and CEO of JobForDrones, a professional drone services marketplace, and a fascinated observer of the emerging drone industry and the regulatory environment for drones. Miriam has penned over 3,000 articles focused on the commercial drone space and is an international speaker and recognized figure in the industry. Miriam has a degree from the University of Chicago and over 20 years of experience in high tech sales and marketing for new technologies.For drone industry consulting or writing, Email Miriam.
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