At the DSEI 2025 defense exhibition in London, Leonardo unveiled its new rotary-wing unmanned aerial system (UAS), named Proteus. Designed specifically for maritime operations with a focus on anti-submarine warfare (ASW), the Proteus platform reflects Italy’s growing investment in autonomous naval capabilities. This marks a significant step in the evolution of vertical take-off and landing (VTOL) drones tailored for complex naval missions.
A Modular VTOL Platform Tailored for Maritime Operations
The Proteus is a medium-sized rotary-wing UAS optimized for shipborne deployment. It features a modular architecture that allows rapid reconfiguration based on mission requirements. According to Leonardo’s official release at DSEI 2025 and corroborated by Jane’s Defence Weekly and Naval News reporting, the platform can be outfitted with a range of payloads including sonobuoy dispensers, dipping sonars, electro-optical/infrared (EO/IR) sensors, electronic support measures (ESM), and lightweight torpedoes.
With an estimated maximum takeoff weight of around 300–400 kg and an endurance exceeding six hours depending on payload configuration, Proteus is designed to operate autonomously or via remote control from surface combatants such as frigates or offshore patrol vessels (OPVs). Its VTOL capability enables launch and recovery from confined shipboard environments without catapults or arresting gear.
Focus on Anti-Submarine Warfare Capabilities
The primary innovation behind Proteus lies in its dedicated ASW mission suite. Leonardo emphasized that the platform can carry and deploy expendable sonobuoys—both active and passive types—and process acoustic data onboard using embedded processors. In addition to passive detection capabilities, future configurations are expected to integrate compact dipping sonar systems such as those derived from Leonardo’s OTS-90 family.
This positions the Proteus as a force multiplier in layered ASW operations by extending sensor coverage beyond the host vessel’s hull-mounted sonar range. When paired with manned helicopters like the NH90 or AW101 equipped with heavier dipping sonars and torpedoes, Proteus can serve as a forward-deployed sensor node or decoy platform.
Notably, Leonardo also hinted at integration pathways for lightweight torpedoes such as the MU90 Impact or A244/S Mod 3 via under-fuselage hardpoints—though this remains in conceptual stages pending further trials.
Ship Integration and C4ISR Interoperability
Proteus is designed with NATO STANAG compliance in mind for seamless integration into existing command-and-control architectures aboard naval vessels. The drone supports Link-11/16 datalinks and can interface with combat management systems (CMS) such as Leonardo’s Athena or Thales TACTICOS suites through standardized interfaces.
This interoperability ensures that acoustic tracks detected by Proteus can be shared in near real-time across task groups or relayed via satellite uplinks to shore-based maritime operation centers. Additionally, its ESM payload options provide valuable SIGINT functions against adversary submarines employing radar or communications transmissions while surfaced.
The platform also includes autonomous navigation capabilities using GNSS-aided inertial systems combined with terrain-relative navigation algorithms—a critical feature for over-the-horizon operations where GPS may be denied or degraded due to jamming/spoofing threats.
Industrial Context and Development Roadmap
The unveiling of Proteus aligns with broader Italian Navy modernization efforts under programs like “Forza NEC” (Network Enabled Capability) and follows recent investments into unmanned mine countermeasure systems and optionally-crewed surface vessels (OCSVs). The development was reportedly accelerated under Italy’s Defence Innovation Fund launched in 2023.
Leonardo has not disclosed full production timelines but confirmed that initial sea trials will begin aboard Italian Navy FREMM-class frigates by mid-2026. A limited operational capability could be achieved by late 2027 if integration milestones are met. The company is also exploring export opportunities targeting navies seeking cost-effective ASW enhancements without expanding manned helicopter fleets—especially among NATO southern flank countries such as Greece and Spain.
Comparison With Peer Systems
The introduction of Proteus places it within an emerging category of rotary-wing UAS optimized for maritime ISR/ASW roles. Comparable platforms include:
- Northrop Grumman MQ-8C Fire Scout: Larger fixed-base system deployed by US Navy; longer endurance but requires more deck space.
- UMS Skeldar V-200: European VTOL UAS used by German Navy; smaller payload capacity than Proteus but mature COTS solution.
- Aeronautics’ Orbiter H: Israeli hybrid-VTOL drone focused on ISR; lacks native ASW integrations seen in Proteus concept.
If successfully fielded with full ASW loadout capability—including dipping sonar—the Proteus would represent one of the first European-origin UAVs purpose-built for submarine hunting missions rather than general ISR roles adapted post hoc.
Operational Implications
The deployment of shipborne rotary-wing drones like Proteus could significantly alter naval tactics against quiet diesel-electric submarines operating in littoral zones. By extending detection ranges beyond organic sensors aboard surface combatants—and doing so persistently without risking crewed assets—Proteus offers both tactical flexibility and cost efficiency.
This becomes particularly relevant given increased submarine activity across the Mediterranean basin driven by Russian deployments from Tartus Naval Base and regional modernization programs among Algeria, Egypt, Turkey, and others. Persistent airborne acoustic surveillance via unmanned assets could help close critical gaps during peacetime patrols or crisis response scenarios when manned aviation may be unavailable due to maintenance cycles or weather constraints.
Conclusion
The debut of Leonardo’s Proteus at DSEI 2025 signals a maturing shift toward specialized naval UAVs capable of executing complex underwater warfare missions autonomously. While much depends on successful integration trials over the next two years—and whether payload miniaturization meets operational thresholds—the concept reflects growing confidence among European OEMs in fielding high-endurance VTOL platforms tailored for blue-water operations. If realized at scale within NATO fleets over this decade, drones like Proteus could redefine how navies conduct persistent anti-submarine surveillance across contested maritime zones.
