How naval technology aided AirAsia airliner search in Indonesia
Naval assets and technology proved instrumental in locating the wreckage of AirAsia flight QZ8501, which crashed into the Java Sea with 162 passengers and crew aboard on 28 December 2014.
The Airbus A320-216’s flight data recorder and cockpit voice recorder were both recovered by 13 January.
Indonesian authorities were supported by military assets from Australia, China, Japan, Malaysia, Russia, Singapore and South Korea.
During its course, the recovery operation featured more than 90 ships, aircraft and helicopters.
Singapore deployed 400+ personnel, two aircraft, two helicopters and five naval vessels.
A Perry Slingsby Systems Super Spartan remotely operated vehicle (ROV), operated
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 Naval Warfare
-
![UK’s Type 31 frigate balances cost pressure with long-term export ambition]()
UK’s Type 31 frigate balances cost pressure with long-term export ambition
The UK shipbuilder’s full-year results to the end of March revealed the impact of the £140 million charge linked to design changes and rework on the Royal Navy’s Type 31 frigate programme.
-
![US Navy expands non-standard acquisitions to rapidly field emerging technologies]()
US Navy expands non-standard acquisitions to rapidly field emerging technologies
The US Navy is increasing the use of OTA obligations to accelerate the procurement of seabed-subsea, littoral, expeditionary and uncrewed solutions.
-
![Can Portugal solve NATO’s uncrewed systems development challenge?]()
Can Portugal solve NATO’s uncrewed systems development challenge?
NATO has spent more than a decade building one of the world’s most sophisticated maritime uncrewed experimentation ecosystems, but still lacks a way to translate this testing into alliance-wide operational capability. Portugal now believes it has the answer.
-
![Eurosatory 2026: Schiebel’s frigate-first strategy indicates a shift in UAV competition]()
Eurosatory 2026: Schiebel’s frigate-first strategy indicates a shift in UAV competition
Schiebel is pursuing opportunities in the UK and France while leveraging its integration with Naval Group’s FDI frigate programme to create new naval business across Europe.
