Schiebel Joins SEACURE Project to Advance Anti-Submarine and Seabed Warfare with CAMCOPTER S-300

Schiebel, an Austrian company renowned for its cutting-edge drone technology, has taken a prominent role in the European Defence Fund’s ambitious SEACURE project. This multinational initiative, spearheaded by Thales and involving 35 companies from 13 European nations, aims to revolutionize anti-submarine and seabed warfare capabilities while enhancing the protection of Europe’s critical maritime infrastructure.

The SEACURE project, officially titled “Seabed and anti-submarine warfare capability through unmanned feature for Europe,” focuses on deploying advanced unmanned systems across air, surface, and underwater domains. These systems will detect, classify, identify, and track underwater threats under challenging conditions, boosting Europe’s joint maritime defense.

Schiebel’s CAMCOPTER S-300: A Game-Changer

At the heart of Schiebel’s contribution to the SEACURE project is its CAMCOPTER S-300, an advanced Unmanned Air System (UAS). This VTOL (vertical take-off and landing) drone sets new standards in endurance, versatility, and payload capacity. Key specifications of the CAMCOPTER S-300 include:

• Maximum Takeoff Weight: Up to 700 kg.
• Endurance: Over 24 hours with a standard payload, and six hours with a heavier 250 kg payload.
• Payload Flexibility: Capable of carrying advanced sensors and equipment for underwater threat detection.
• Navigation: Operates effectively in harsh weather and maritime environments.
• Range: Equipped with secure communications and real-time data transmission capabilities over extended distances.

The S-300 builds on the success of Schiebel’s earlier model, the CAMCOPTER S-100, which has proven its reliability in NATO exercises. The S-300’s ability to integrate seamlessly into multi-domain operations makes it a critical asset for anti-submarine and seabed warfare.

A Milestone for Europe’s Maritime Defence

The SEACURE project exemplifies Europe’s commitment to strengthening its maritime security infrastructure through innovation and collaboration. It brings together leading aerospace and defense companies, research organizations, and technology developers to address the growing complexity of underwater threats. With Schiebel and Thales leading the charge, the project’s objectives extend beyond current needs, focusing on future-proofing Europe’s defense capabilities.

The initiative is scheduled to culminate in a large-scale sea trial by 2028, providing a real-world testing ground for the integrated technologies developed under SEACURE. This final phase will demonstrate the effectiveness of unmanned systems, including Schiebel’s S-300, in detecting and neutralizing underwater threats while protecting critical seabed infrastructure, such as undersea cables and pipelines.

Strategic Impact of the SEACURE Project

As underwater threats, such as sabotage and espionage, become increasingly sophisticated, the SEACURE project represents a timely response to these challenges. By integrating air, surface, and underwater systems, the project offers a comprehensive approach to maritime defense. Schiebel’s CAMCOPTER S-300, with its cutting-edge features and adaptability, is poised to play a pivotal role in this effort.

Hans Georg Schiebel, Chairman of the Schiebel Group, emphasized the significance of this collaboration: “The S-300 opens up a multitude of new possibilities for anti-submarine and seabed warfare. We are proud to contribute to this significant project that underlines Europe’s commitment to safeguarding its maritime assets.”

Future Prospects

The SEACURE project marks a crucial step in Europe’s efforts to lead in maritime defense technology. By harnessing the strengths of companies like Schiebel, the initiative underscores the importance of international cooperation and technological innovation in addressing emerging threats.

As the project progresses, the CAMCOPTER S-300 is expected to redefine the standards for unmanned systems in maritime defense, further cementing Schiebel’s position as a global leader in drone technology.