The VANTAGE project has begun work on a modular, interoperable and scalable tactical drone platform intended to meet evolving European battlefield and security requirements.

The European Defence Fund programme is led by Latvijas Mobilais Telefons (LMT), and was formally launched in Riga through a kick-off meeting that brought consortium partners together to define the technical roadmap and set priorities for research and development.

Latvia, Romania, Belgium and Estonia have formally backed the project, signalling coordinated governmental support and recognition of its value to the European Defence Technological and Industrial Base.

“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,” says Miguel Ángel de Frutos, director and 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.”

The platform will integrate advanced C4ISR and kinetic capabilities through an Interoperable Modular and Scalable Architecture (IMOSA), making it adaptable to future technologies and mission demands. It targets 10+ hours of endurance, a 200 km range, a 20 kg payload and low-observable operation in all European climates.

It is being designed for use by EU ministries of defence, special forces, naval units, border agencies and emergency services. It will also contribute to the Latvia-led Drone Coalition for Ukraine, ensuring operational testing and feedback from a real-world conflict environment. The platform’s design responds directly to coalition-identified challenges in reconnaissance and precision strikes, and is aligned with EU ethics and conflict law.

The project was selected in 2024 under the European Defence Fund and has been allocated €10.1 million in EU funding.