General Atomics AeroTec Systems (GA-ATS) is showcasing its new Do228 NXT aircraft at Navy Tech 2026, taking place from 3–5 February 2026 in Gothenburg. The company is positioning the Do228 NXT as a multi-role solution for maritime surveillance and related naval missions.

 

Multi-role platform for maritime operations

As naval forces adapt to increasingly complex and dynamic threat environments, GA-ATS highlights the Do228 NXT as a flexible platform capable of responding to a broad range of operational scenarios. The aircraft is presented as suitable for use by authorities, border guards and military operators requiring rapid and adaptable mission capability.

 

The Do228 NXT’s design features are intended to support maritime operations. Four hardpoints under the wings allow for the integration of various pods or sensors, while the aircraft’s rectangular fuselage provides a spacious cabin. For over-water missions, an in-flight openable roller door enables the safe deployment of rescue equipment during emergency operations.

 

These characteristics support a range of potential applications in regions such as the North Sea and Baltic Sea, including coastal surveillance, naval reconnaissance, protection of underwater infrastructure and detection of environmental pollution.

 

Established presence in Scandinavia

The Do228 has a long service history in the Scandinavian region, having operated in Sweden, Norway, Finland, Denmark and Iceland. The aircraft’s first customer in 1982 was the Norwegian transport company Norving, marking the beginning of its regional service record.

 

Today, the Finnish Border Guard operates a fleet of Do228 aircraft for border reconnaissance missions, while the Norwegian company Lufttransport uses the type for transport operations on Svalbard. GA-ATS notes that the enhanced mission capabilities of the Do228 NXT are intended to build on this established presence in Scandinavia.