Frontex picks Heron for maritime surveillance role

21st October 2020 - 09:57 GMT | by The Shephard News Team

RSS

Framework contract follows series of trials over recent years

The European Border and Coast Guard Agency (Frontex) has awarded a framework contract to Airbus Defence and Space Airborne Solutions (ADAS) and its long-term partner Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI) to operate a MALE RPAS for maritime aerial surveillance services.

This contract, worth an undisclosed amount, was awarded following multiple successful trials in recent years, ADAS noted on 20 October.

Missions with a special version of the IAI Heron MALE UAS, equipped with EO/IR sensors and an IAI-made maritime patrol radar, will be flown from Greece, Italy or Malta (or all three countries).

The maritime surveillance service includes the provision of a RPAS platform, payload, communication equipment and capacity, mission storage and operational support.

Airbus and IAI will provide the service for pre-planned assignments as well as for ad hoc calls.

Heron will use a direct link when flying within LoS, changing to a satellite link when operating BLoS to transmit real-time information or when flying at low altitude over sea. Information is being transmitted to the Frontex C2 centre as well as to relevant coast guard centres.

As part of our promise to deliver comprehensive coverage to our Defence Insight and Premium News subscribers, our curated defence news content provides the latest industry updates, contract awards and programme milestones.

Author

The Shephard News Team

As part of our promise to deliver comprehensive coverage to Premium News and Defence Insight …

Read full bio

More from Uncrewed Vehicles

Maris-Tech confirms customers signing up for Jupiter Drones codec and AI-powered system

Launched at AUSA in October, the company’s multi-stream video codec is attempting to bring a new lease of life to drone technology through its AI accelerator.
AUSA 2024: Quantum-Systems targets big 2025 with UAS developments

Quantum-Systems has been upgrading its UAS family, with new versions of the Vector, Reliant and Twister drones set for release throughout 2025.
US Army accelerates acquisition and field of company-level sUAS

The service has been using a Directed Requirement (DR) approach to speed up the deployment of a Medium Range Reconnaissance capability.
AeroVironment to display eVTOL P550 at AUSA 2024

AeroVironment’s portfolio will grow thanks to the eVTOL P550 aimed at battalion-level tactical forces.
Australia’s air force aims its UAV fleet northwards

The Royal Australian Air Force is advancing its unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) capabilities across three key programmes as it works with the likes of Boeing and Northrop Grumman to reshape Australia’s defence strategy.
FTUAS competitor trials were “very successful”, says US Army official

Prototypes from Griffon Aerospace and Textron Systems recently passed through MOSA conformance trials and flight tests.