Will amphibious aircraft developers’ ambitions for maritime defence missions hold water?
Noemi Aerospace is targeting defence dual-mission profiles for its amphibious aircraft. (Photo: Noemi Aerospace)
Despite efforts to develop amphibious craft for future maritime operations, there is ongoing speculation on how operationally useful or core they will be, as countries globally – even with spending boosts – find their budgets constrained by competing and more important resource demands.
The push from industry to develop – and eventually operationally field – amphibious aircraft for defence missions has taken another step forward, with REGENT Defense and Norwegian company Noemi Aerospace providing recent updates on their respective seaglider and amphibious aircraft development pathways. Yet challenges to operationally field and develop these electric-propulsion platforms remain.
Speaking to Shephard, Eric Lithun, CEO at Noemi Aerospace, disclosed that the company plans to expand its vision for the commercial amphibious aircraft, named Noemi, to future mission profiles that include military dual-use applications. “Noemi was always designed as more than a single aircraft,” Lithun explained, adding that governments have already taken an
Our news & analysis is now part of Defence Insight®
A Basic-level or higher Defence Insight subscription is now required to view this content.
More from Air Warfare
-
![How defence sovereignty is driving middle power jet programmes]()
How defence sovereignty is driving middle power jet programmes
While moving away from US-made equipment towards home-grown options is a rising preference for some countries, there are multiple hurdles to overcome to compete with the US’s expansive global footprint and dominance.
-
![Peru’s air combat modernisation effort opens up $2.5 billion market opportunity]()
Peru’s air combat modernisation effort opens up $2.5 billion market opportunity
The latest purchase of F-16V combat aircraft comes as the country presses ahead with its long-held plans to modernise its air combat capabilities and invest in the replacement of ageing Russian aircraft.
-
![Optimism remains for GCAP and FCAS future despite programme stumbling blocks]()
Optimism remains for GCAP and FCAS future despite programme stumbling blocks
Both sixth-generation combat aircraft programmes are still awaiting major key decisions from respective governments with regards to funding or future direction, but industry and governmental officials remain optimistic of progress going forward.
-
![SOF Week 2026: US Army to conduct trials with Mountain Horse’s containerised drone launcher]()
SOF Week 2026: US Army to conduct trials with Mountain Horse’s containerised drone launcher
The Mountain Horse Containerised Autonomous Drone Delivery System has been engineered for dispersed, forward UAV operations. It can store, protect, charge, launch and recover drones.
