Spain has officially launched the FENIX Project, an initiative to develop a next-gen drone swarm solution made up of different types of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs).
The concept brings together base platforms from Alpha Unmanned Systems and navigation and control systems from UAV Navigation-Grupo Oesía, with the aim of turning a group of drones into a single cooperative network rather than independent aircraft.
Instead of flying fixed, pre-planned formations, the swarm is designed to share data in real time and adjust its behavior collectively, including autonomous rerouting during missions without waiting for human input.
It also introduces a cooperative perception layer, allowing each UAV to draw on shared sensor inputs so the swarm maintains a unified operational picture even when individual drones lose line of sight.
Advanced Capabilities
The developers are also targeting GPS-denied navigation, enabling the swarm to map and identify areas of interest even under jamming conditions.
The system is further intended to operate in hazardous environments where chemical, biological, radiological, and nuclear threats could be present.
Mission flexibility is another focus, with planned roles spanning surveillance, reconnaissance, patrol, and search-and-rescue operations.
The FENIX Project
The FENIX Project will culminate in a technological demonstrator that undergoes a series of simulations and flight test campaigns.
It will assess performance gains over conventional surveillance methods in complex electronic warfare environments, while remaining compatible with existing Spanish military systems.
The program operates under Spain’s Ministry of Defence COINCIDENTE national research and development framework, which supports the identification and maturation of emerging defense technologies.
