Nigrán (Spain), July 3, 2025 – The M5D-Airfox unmanned aerial system, developed by Marine Instruments, has successfully completed its third operational embarkation as part of the CMP-GoG deployment aboard the Offshore Patrol Vessel (OPV) BAM Relámpago. This campaign marks a major milestone in the system’s evolution, exceeding 179 accumulated flight hours, more than twice as many as in previous deployments, and setting a new endurance record with a flight of 8 hours and 57 minutes, covering over 400 kilometers without refueling.
Validation in a Real Operational Environment
These results offer clear validation of the system after three consecutive deployments in demanding operational environments. Throughout this process, the Airfox has evolved from an innovative concept to a fully operational, reliable tool, highly tailored to the needs of maritime surveillance and intelligence (ISR).
Outstanding Technical Capabilities
Weighing under 5 kg, with solar propulsion, silent operation, and a minimal radar profile, the Airfox provides effective ISR capabilities without interfering with the ship’s main operations. It is catapult-launched, net-recovered, and operable by only two crew members, making it particularly suitable for platforms with reduced crews or no aviation hangar.
Superior Operational Performance
The performance achieved in this latest deployment confirms the system’s technical and operational maturity. With an average of 2 flight hours per day at sea, the Airfox has demonstrated high availability and operational efficiency. This figure is comparable to, and in some cases exceeds, the statistics recorded by embarked helicopters in previous deployments, especially when factoring in the Airfox’s logistical simplicity and lower resource consumption. Its unique combination of endurance, reliability, and ease of use positions it as an optimal solution for maritime ISR missions.
Fleet-Wide Implementation in the Spanish Navy’s BAM Class
As part of its progressive integration, the installation of the system has been authorized aboard the BAM Rayo and BAM Tornado before the end of the year. With this expansion, the entire BAM fleet will be equipped with the Airfox system, consolidating a proven, scalable, and mission-ready ISR capability, fully aligned with the Spanish Navy’s current operational requirements.
Photos courtesy Marine Instruments