Halia Maritime Drone: A Hybrid Platform for Maritime Operations

Modern maritime conflicts require innovative solutions, and unmanned systems are becoming a key tool for reconnaissance, monitoring, and strikes in coastal zones. The Halia maritime drone, developed by the American company LeVanta Tech, is a revolutionary hybrid platform capable of operating both on and in the air. Designed for special operations missions in today's military challenges, this aircraft combines low surface visibility and high flight speed, becoming a versatile tool for maritime dominance. Adapted for joint development with Ukrainian partners, Halia occupies a unique niche in the arsenal, offering a solution for missions in the Black Sea region.

Background and creation

The Halia project was initiated in 2023 by LeVanta Tech as a response to the need for versatile drones capable of sustained flight on the water and the ability to quickly transition to aerial mode. The prototype premiered at the European Rotors exhibition in Madrid, where the concept of a float-and-fly (FFD) platform combining the capabilities of an unmanned surface vessel (USV) and an aerial drone was presented. Development was conducted in partnership with the US Department of Defense, with a focus on anti-submarine warfare (ASW), anti-aircraft warfare (ASUW), and critical infrastructure protection (CIP) missions. By the fall of 2023, the company had opened an office in Estonia and begun projects in Romania, focusing on NATO's eastern flank.

In October 2025, the project received a boost from an agreement with the Ukrainian state-owned concern Ukroboronprom for joint development, testing, and production. This partnership will enable testing in Ukraine, with the potential for localized production. The Halia family includes three variants: the civilian Halia-S, the military Halia-M, and the heavy Halia-X, adapted for various missions, from monitoring to strikes. As of October 2025, production is at the prototype stage, with plans for serial production in 2026. These modifications, based on experience in naval operations, transform the Halia into a multirole platform for strategic and tactical use.

Design and specifications

The Halia design is focused on flexibility and survivability, with an emphasis on low observability and rapid mode transitions. The platform is a ground-effect vehicle (GEV) capable of floating on the surface like a USV and taking off for flight at altitudes of 1–5 meters above water. The composite hull provides lightweight and corrosion-resistant dimensions: Halia-S is compact (approximately 2 meters long), Halia-M is medium (3,66 × 3,35 × 1,52 meters), and Halia-X is heavy (up to 10 meters). A low profile on water minimizes radar signature, and the aerodynamic wing shape effectively utilizes the ground effect to save fuel.

The propulsion system varies: the Halia-S is battery-electric, the Halia-M is hybrid or turbojet, and the Halia-X is a pure kerosene-fueled turbojet. This enables a speed of 100–150 knots (185–280 km/h) and a range of 400 km to 5000 km. In floating mode, the drone conserves energy by using sensors for monitoring, while in flight, it can move quickly or conduct strikes. The control system combines autonomous algorithms with remote control, including AI for target recognition and evasion. The sensor suite includes radar, optics, and acoustics for ISR (intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance) missions.

The payload is housed in the central compartment: from 22–45 kg for the Halia-S/M to 997 kg for the Halia-X, including sensors, mines, or missiles. Launch is possible from shore, a ship, or autonomously, with the ability to transition to floating mode within minutes. Electronic warfare-resistant electronics ensure reliability in contested areas.

Specifications (for Halia-X):

• Length: ~10 m
• Width: ~8 m
• Take-off weight: 2000–3000 kg
• Payload: up to 997 kg
• Range: up to 5000 km
• Cruising speed: 185–280 km/h
• Maximum speed: 280 km / h
• Flight height: 1–5 m (screen effect)
• Engine: turbojet
• Navigation: GPS/inertial + AI
• Unit Cost: ~$500,000–$1,000,000

These parameters make the Halia versatile: long stay on the water is combined with quick reaction in the air, providing an advantage in coastal operations.

Combat application

The Halia's potential combat use focuses on the Black Sea, where the platform can patrol areas, monitor enemy fleets, and strike ships or infrastructure. In floating mode, the drone collects data undetected, and when threatened, it takes off for reconnaissance or attack. With a one-ton payload, the Halia-X is capable of engaging large targets at a range of 5000 km, including ships in port. In combined operations with other UAVs, such as the Geranium, the Halia distracts air defenses, enabling breakthroughs.

Key scenarios include anti-submarine warfare (ASW), mine-hunting (MCM), and port protection (CIP). Tests are planned for 2025 in Ukraine to practice strikes against the Black Sea fleet, with the drone's potential as a loitering munition. Analysts estimate that 60–70% of missions will be successful due to its low observability. In the exercises, the drone is used to simulate hybrid attacks, including coordination with ground forces.

Disadvantages include vulnerability to underwater sonar and difficulty navigating in stormy conditions. Fuel dependence limits the Halia-X's autonomy. However, its hybrid design and long range compensate for these weaknesses: a single drone can replace several specialized systems. By 2025, AI enhancements will increase survivability by 25-35%.

Meaning and Legacy

Halia is changing the landscape of naval operations, proving that hybrid drones can dominate littoral zones by combining stealth on the water with speed in the air. Its versatility—from ISR to strike—makes the platform ideal for asymmetric warfare where resources are limited. Massive deployment will create "swarms" that overwhelm defenses.