EDGE Delivers Six HT-100 NAVAL UAVs to the Angolan Navy
UAE defense company EDGE Group has delivered six HT-100 NAVAL unmanned helicopters developed by ANAVIA to the Angolan Navy. According to EDGE, the delivery is part of a €1 billion Angolan naval program linked to three BR71 MK II multirole corvettes.
The delivery marks the first phase of deploying shipborne vertical takeoff and landing unmanned aerial systems. Each corvette will receive two HT-100 NAVAL helicopters, which are to be integrated with the vessels’ combat management systems.
Factory Acceptance Testing Conducted in Switzerland
Factory acceptance testing (FAT) for the six HT-100 NAVAL aircraft was conducted from August 24 to 28, 2026, at ANAVIA’s facility in Walenstadt, Switzerland. Representatives of the Angolan Navy and Simportex, Angola’s state-owned defense procurement company, also attended the trials.
According to EDGE, the testing included the first operational flight of all six systems. With the FAT complete, the equipment was delivered. The next step will be to install the unmanned helicopters on the Angolan Navy’s corvettes and verify their integrated performance.
Extending the BR71 MK II Corvettes’ Surveillance Reach
The HT-100 NAVAL will operate from the 71-meter BR71 MK II corvettes, extending their surveillance and reconnaissance coverage. According to EDGE, the aircraft are equipped with electro-optical/infrared (EO/IR) sensors and are designed to provide information for maritime operations.
Once the unmanned helicopters are linked to the corvettes’ combat management systems, crews will be able to monitor distant areas at sea and integrate reconnaissance data from the ships. Their actual operational capabilities, however, are expected to be assessed through ship integration and sea trials to be conducted in Angola.
HT-100 NAVAL Specifications
According to product information released by ANAVIA, the HT-100 NAVAL is a vertical takeoff and landing unmanned helicopter developed for shipboard operations. It features automatic deck-landing capability and a structure designed to withstand salt and moisture in maritime environments.
- Maximum takeoff weight: 120 kg
- Maximum endurance: 360 minutes
- Payload and fuel: Up to 60 kg
- Maximum speed: 120 km/h
- Powerplant: 15 kW turbine engine
- Rotor: Intermeshing Flettner rotor system
In addition to EO/IR sensors, the aircraft is designed to carry synthetic aperture radar (SAR), signals intelligence (SIGINT) equipment and other mission payloads. This enables it to support a range of missions, including maritime surveillance, search and rescue, and monitoring for illegal fishing.
Next Phase of Angola’s Naval Modernization Program
The delivery of the HT-100 NAVAL is more than a simple UAV procurement; it forms part of an integrated naval modernization program combining ships with unmanned systems. Under the €1 billion contract, EDGE is supplying the Angolan Navy with three BR71 MK II multirole corvettes. The first vessel, NRA Ekuikui II, was launched in Cherbourg, France, in March 2026.
During the upcoming ship-integration work and sea trials in Angola, the HT-100 NAVAL’s automated takeoff and landing, sensor operation and connection to the combat management system are expected to be key areas of evaluation. If the trials proceed as planned, the Angolan Navy could significantly expand its ship-based maritime surveillance capabilities.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is the HT-100 NAVAL?
The HT-100 NAVAL is a shipborne vertical takeoff and landing unmanned helicopter developed by ANAVIA. It is designed to perform a range of missions, including maritime surveillance, reconnaissance, and search and rescue.
How many aircraft were delivered to the Angolan Navy?
A total of six aircraft were delivered. Two are scheduled to be assigned to each of the Angolan Navy’s three BR71 MK II corvettes.
When was the factory acceptance testing conducted?
Factory acceptance testing was conducted from August 24 to 28, 2026, at ANAVIA’s facility in Walenstadt, Switzerland.
What are the HT-100 NAVAL’s primary sensors?
The aircraft primarily uses electro-optical/infrared (EO/IR) sensors. Depending on the mission, it can also carry synthetic aperture radar and signals intelligence equipment.
When will the Angolan Navy begin operational deployment?
Following delivery, the helicopters will be installed on the corvettes, integrated with their combat management systems, and subjected to sea trials in Angola. The specific date for operational deployment is expected to depend on the results of the integration trials.
