Ukraine’s state defense industry has partnered with U.S.-based LeVanta Tech to jointly develop a hybrid drone capable of operating in both air and maritime environments. The collaboration builds on LeVanta’s Halia sea-launched aerial drone, first introduced in 2023, and seeks to merge the endurance of unmanned surface vehicles with the speed and flexibility of aerial systems.
Unlike traditional seaplane-style drones, the new design will be able to take off and land in rough sea conditions, enhancing its deployment versatility in dynamic maritime zones. According to LeVanta, the project will focus on joint research, testing, and development in Ukraine, with potential plans to establish production facilities locally to support scaling and technology transfer.
The upcoming platform is envisioned as a multi-role system capable of conducting intelligence, surveillance, reconnaissance (ISR), and communications relay missions. It can approach contested areas by air, land on water to operate as a surface drone, and maintain a low radar cross-section for improved survivability in hostile environments.
Equipped to carry heavier payloads than typical aerial drones, the hybrid platform can switch between aerial and floating modes—surveying wide areas from the sky before landing to investigate specific targets. In free-float mode, it can conserve energy while maintaining persistent sensor coverage and communications connectivity across extended missions.
