French Navy and FLY-R experiment the deployment of OWA UAV from frigate

The French Navy and the company FLY-R have tested the deployment of a vector which could serve as One Way Attack Unmmaned Aerial Vehicle (OWA UAV) from a Floreal-class frigate.

FLY-R press release

On June 17, 2025, a new milestone was reached in the experimentation of remotely-operated munitions on board the frigate Floréal, when a system developed by FLY-R was successfully put into operation.

A system developed by FLY-R was successfully deployed from the surveillance frigate Floréal. During this demonstration at sea, a remotely-operated vector designed by our teams was catapulted and then taken into remote control by operators on board, before performing a series of complex maneuvers around a simulated evolving target.

This experiment is part of a wider program by the French Navy, aimed at evaluating and integrating new tactical capabilities based on the use of remotely operated munitions. Faced with the increasing use of this type of system in today’s theaters of operation, the French Navy is continuing to invest in technological innovation to enhance its operational effectiveness and resilience in the face of contemporary maritime threats.

FLY-R is proud to contribute to this dynamic, offering its expertise in fixed-wing UAVs and remotely-operated solutions tailored to naval requirements.

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Naval News comment:

The type of UAV used is not mentioned, however looks like an adapted version of the FLY-R R2-150 solution initially designed for maritime ISR applications. According to available information, the company seems to not have a OWA UAV version ready yet, but is working on different options to modify their solutions into kamikaze drone. Testing this vector in its original version would allow to certify all the take-off and piloting operations and if necessary to to transform it. For the record, FLY-R has already made a partnership with MBDA to build OWA UAV from their smallest vector – the R2-120 Raijin – meant for infantry.

As reported by Naval News the past few months, the French Navy keeps exploring options in the use of remotely operated OWA UAVs that could assist in the self-defence of a surface ship against air and surface threats. A way also to reduce costs and to gain in precision.

In May, the French Navy tested first person view (FPV) UAV from a Mistral-class LHD. FLY-R OWA UAV would be different as it would allow to carry slightly larger warhead than small UAVs used for exemple in Ukraine against personnel, and to get an extended range and autonomy – useful in a maritime environment.

R2-150 specifications:

• Wingspan: 1.5M
• Max. weight: <15Kg
• Cruise speed: 115 Km/h
• Autonomy: 2 hours
• Range: >50Km
• Payload weight: up to 1.5Kg