Angolan Navy Takes Delivery of Six ANAVIA HT-100 Unmanned Helicopters for Its Corvettes
The Angolan Navy has completed delivery of six ANAVIA HT-100 NAVAL unmanned VTOL helicopters, built by the Swiss manufacturer majority-owned by EDGE Group. The delivery forms part of the EUR 1 billion naval modernisation programme between EDGE Group and Angola, and the systems are destined for integration aboard the country’s BR71 Mk II corvettes.
At a Glance
- Delivered system: Six ANAVIA HT-100 NAVAL unmanned helicopters (VTOL UAS)
- Manufacturer: ANAVIA (Switzerland-based, 52% owned by EDGE Group)
- Umbrella programme: EUR 1 billion naval modernisation contract between EDGE Group and Angola (2023)
- Platform: Three BR71 Mk II corvettes of the Angolan Navy, each carrying two HT-100 units
- Capability: EO/IR sensors, autonomous radar-guided deck landing, six-hour endurance
- Next step: Integration aboard the corvettes followed by sea trials in Angolan waters
Background
The Angolan Navy launched its first BR71 Mk II Combattante corvette, NRA Ekuikui II, at Cherbourg, France, in March 2026 — the first of three vessels ordered under the EUR 1 billion modernisation contract aimed at securing the country’s Atlantic coastline. The HT-100 NAVAL systems are built by ANAVIA, the Swiss company majority-owned by EDGE Group, with two UAS assigned to each corvette to extend the vessels’ surveillance and reconnaissance reach.
Following successful completion of Factory Acceptance Trials for all six systems, the next stage involves integrating the UAS aboard the corvettes, followed by sea trials. HT-100 Naval’s autonomous, radar-guided deck landing system is central to overcoming the technical challenges of operating unmanned helicopters from a moving corvette.
Regional Impact
As the market for unmanned naval platforms grows across Africa, Turkish defence industry already holds a strong position on the continent: Baykar’s TB2 is already in service with numerous African militaries, and TUSAŞ and Baykar platforms suited to ship-deck or amphibious operations — such as Bayraktar TB3’s carrier-based operations — carry competitive potential in this segment. Angola’s partnership with EDGE Group/ANAVIA illustrates that the continent’s naval surveillance and corvette modernisation market is diversifying, with Gulf-based players entering the space — signalling both competitive pressure and potential partnership openings for Turkish firms.
FAQ
What does the HT-100 NAVAL do? An EO/IR-equipped unmanned helicopter with autonomous deck landing that extends corvette surveillance and reconnaissance range.
When will all corvettes enter service? The first vessel, NRA Ekuikui II, was launched in 2026; the full delivery schedule for all three corvettes has not been officially disclosed.
Who owns ANAVIA? The Swiss company is majority-owned (52%) by Gulf-backed EDGE Group.
