The Tercio de Armada Marine Corps Brigade (BRIMAR) of Spain has successfully completed extensive operational training for the latest iteration of the Seeker Unmanned Aerial System (UAS). This achievement marks a significant step in the CIMSEE-22 project, an initiative spearheaded by Spain’s Sub-Directorate-General for Planning, Technology and Innovation (SDG PLATIN) as part of the broader RAPAZ program, aimed at bolstering Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance (ISR) capabilities.
According to a press release from GMV, a multinational technology company involved in the Seeker UAS development, the training culminated in the formal reception of the fixed-wing drone system by BRIMAR’s RECON unit. The program incorporated both classroom instruction and practical exercises, with field training conducted at the El Retín Military Training Area in Cádiz. This real-world environment allowed operators to hone their skills in challenging scenarios, including nighttime operations, extended-range missions, intelligence gathering on targets, specialized maneuvers, and complex launch procedures.
The Seeker UAS is described as a light, fixed-wing autonomous system, weighing 3.5 kilograms, which places it within the Mini UAS category. It boasts an impressive endurance of 120 minutes. As GMV highlighted, the system was developed to fulfill crucial ISR needs, demonstrating its ability to operate effectively in diverse conditions, including land and coastal environments, even in adverse weather such as rain. The system’s reliability has been consistently praised in previous evaluations conducted by BRIMAR itself.
The system was formally delivered on May 21st, following the successful completion of the training. Operators have reportedly provided highly positive feedback, emphasizing its user-friendliness, broad applicability, and robust technological design. This project underscores the commitment of Aurea Avionics and GMV to advancing national sovereignty through the development and manufacturing of entirely Spanish-designed technological solutions, in close collaboration with end-users on the ground.
