Farnborough International Airshow, United Kingdom – 21 July 2026
MD Aircraft GmbH and ST Airborne Systems AB have signed a Letter of Intent (LOI) taking a significant step toward integrating electric aircraft technology and advanced airborne mission systems, to redefine the future of sustainable airborne surveillance operations. The LOI was signed during the Farnborough International Airshow 2026 at the ST Airborne Systems stand (Stand 1558, Hall 1), as part of ST Airborne Systems’ 50th anniversary celebrations. The signing ceremony was attended by representatives from both companies, including executives, customers, partners and media representatives.
Supporting the Future of Sustainable Airborne Surveillance
The collaboration reflects the companies‘ shared commitment using MD Aircraft’s electric aircraft technology to develop reliable, platforms for ST Airborne Systems’ advanced airborne mission, and surveillance solutions.
MD Aircraft is developing a new generation of electric aircraft for regional aviation, while ST Airborne Systems provides advanced airborne mission systems and sensor technology used for environmental monitoring, maritime surveillance and other special mission operations. Tim Markwald, Founder and COB of MD Aircraft, emphasizes that the aviation industry must continue to evolve and that the company is committed to contributing to this transformation. With the development of a new aircraft concept in the “Counter-Class,” MD Aircraft is establishing the foundation for solutions that have not been possible with conventional large-scale aircraft to date.
By combining expertise in carbon-free aviation and airborne environmental monitoring, the collaboration will create new opportunities for maritime surveillance, environmental monitoring and other special mission operations with significantly reduced environmental impact.
“This LOI represents an exciting opportunity to explore how electric aircraft technology can support our long-term sustainability ambitions while maintaining the capabilities our customers require,” says Carl-Fredrik Hammarbäck, CEO of ST Airborne Systems. “By combining advanced surveillance systems with low-emission aircraft, we can contribute to more sustainable monitoring of coastal and maritime environments.”
The initiative reflects the growing demand for sustainable and technologically advanced airborne solutions capable of meeting future operational requirements.
About MD Aircraft GmbH
MD Aircraft is a German aerospace company dedicated to developing zero emission, quiet, cost-efficient electric aircraft for Regional Air Mobility. MD Aircraft is part of the MD Group including MD Flugzeugbau and MD Composites Technologies GmbH which has over 30 years’ experience designing, building, and certifying composite aircraft – a decade with electric propulsion. MD Aircraft’s flagship program, the MDA1 eViator, will redefine regional air mobility with initial flight tests in early 2028, and commercial certification and entry into service targeted for 2030.
About ST Airborne Systems AB
ST Airborne Systems is a Swedish company with 50 years of experience developing and delivering advanced airborne surveillance solutions for maritime and environmental monitoring operators worldwide. Through its new generation MSS 8000 mission system, the company delivers advanced sensor capabilities, real-time decision support and operational flexibility for a wide range of airborne missions. The company specialises in solutions for environmental monitoring, maritime surveillance, oil spill detection, vessel traffic monitoring, search and rescue, wildfire detection and monitoring, and other airborne operations critical to the protection of society and environment. Its systems provide long-range, wide-area surveillance over both land and sea and are scalable across platforms ranging from UAVs to rotary-wing and fixed-wing aircraft.
Media Contacts
MD Aircraft GmbH
Biatricia Iurasco
Marketing & PR
Mobile: +49 162 8706651
Email: b.iurasco@md-group.tech www.md-aircraft.com
ST Airborne Systems AB
Karin Backlund
Marketing Coordinator
Mobile: +46 70 872 85 13
Email: karin.backlund@airbornesystems.se www.airbornesystems.se