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Electronic warfare is no longer confined to large ships, fixed sites, or crewed aircraft. In littoral environments—where coastlines, islands, and narrow waterways limit maneuvering space—forces need systems that can deploy quickly, operate from improvised locations, and still provide meaningful sensing and electronic effects. Traditional EW platforms are often too large or infrastructure-dependent to meet those requirements.
A recent demonstration during the U.S. Navy’s Silent Swarm 25 exercise explored a different approach. An electronic warfare sensor package was flown on a small autonomous VTOL drone, showing how EW capabilities can be pushed closer to the edge of the battlespace. The trial was conducted at the Naval Surface Warfare Center Crane Division and focused on coastal and near-shore scenarios.
The platform used for the demonstration was the P4 Transwing VTOL, an unmanned aircraft designed to operate without runways. During the exercise, the drone flew multiple mission profiles that included observing the environment, detecting potential threats, and supporting engagement decisions. The system delivered actionable data while operating from confined launch and recovery points along the shoreline, with flight performance unaffected by changing wind direction.
Littoral zones are often congested, contested, and difficult to monitor using conventional assets. A small VTOL drone carrying EW sensors can support maritime surveillance, force protection, and situational awareness without requiring large vessels or permanent bases. The ability to deploy such systems from temporary or remote locations expands coverage in areas where traditional platforms may be limited.
According to NextGenDefense, the P4 Transwing’s design plays a central role in enabling these missions. With a maximum takeoff weight of 41 kgs and a payload capacity of up to 6.8 kgs, the aircraft can carry specialized sensors while remaining compact. Its folding-wing configuration allows it to transition rapidly between vertical and horizontal flight, maintaining stability even in gusty conditions. Once in wing-borne flight, the drone cruises at around 111 kmph and can reach speeds of up to 185 kmph when needed.
The aircraft’s footprint—roughly 2.1 by 1.3 meters—allows it to operate from tight spaces that would be unsuitable for larger UAVs. An all-electric drivetrain supports quiet operation and simplifies logistics. During the exercise, the modular architecture also allowed the EW payload to be integrated and flight-tested within a single day.
The exercise’s demonstration highlighted how compact VTOL drones can host advanced EW sensors and operate effectively in coastal environments. As electronic warfare becomes more distributed and expeditionary, platforms of this size and flexibility are likely to play a growing role in future littoral operations.
