Swedish unmanned systems companies Airolit and Nautrik have entered into a framework cooperation agreement to develop, integrate and demonstrate combined air-surface capabilities. The partnership brings together Airolit’s modular unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) platforms and Nautrik’s R4 unmanned surface vessel (USV), autonomy software and maritime systems expertise.
The agreement brings together two Swedish companies working at opposite ends of the same operational environment, air and sea, with a shared foundation in modular, remotely operated and autonomous technology. Airolit and Nautrik intend to cooperate wherever they identify mutual technical, operational or commercial benefit, from joint technology development to combined offerings for customers operating across both domains.
– This partnership allows us to bring together complementary technologies and expertise. By joining forces as two leading Swedish technology companies, we can strengthen our respective offerings and create even greater value for our customers, says Claes Kjölhede, CEO of Airolit.
The first joint configuration combines a tethered Airolit UAV with Nautrik’s R4 USV. Following trials at REPMUS 2026, the configuration is now being presented publicly for the first time through imagery and video from the exercise.
The tethered UAV adds an elevated sensor position to the maritime platform, extending its sensor reach and supporting persistent situational awareness. The modular integration also provides a basis for future development around power, communications, automated operation, payloads and data exchange.
– Nautrik’s platforms are designed to be used as part of a wider system. Integrating Airolit’s tethered UAV extends the platform’s sensor reach and gives operators a broader operational picture. This partnership gives us a practical framework to develop that capability further, says Oscar Fors, CEO of Nautrik.
Under the agreement, Airolit and Nautrik will cooperate on technical development, system integration, testing, training, demonstrations, exercises and customer projects. Individual activities and commercial terms will be agreed separately.
About Airolit
Airolit AB develops and produces unmanned aerial systems for the most challenging environments, payload integrations and tethered UAV solutions for defence, security and other mission-critical applications. Robust products proven in Nordic and Arctic environments.
About Nautrik
Nautrik is a Swedish defence technology company developing multi-unit autonomy and modular USVs for maritime operations. Its technology coordinates multiple uncrewed units within a single system, supporting missions including ISR, mine countermeasures, logistics and the deployment of active payloads. Together with its partners, Nautrik extends this capability into the air domain to deliver persistent multi-domain ISR.
Media contacts
Airolit
Claes Kjölhede, CEO
claes.kjolhede@airolit.com
+46 73 151 09 85
Nautrik
Maja Hansson, Head of Communications, Nautrik AB
maja.hansson@nautrik.com
+46 73 856 89 92