Watchkeeper flying in Afghanistan for British Army

Watchkeeper has been operationally deployed in Afghanistan by the British Army, providing information, surveillance and reconnaissance (ISR) in support of British Forces. The UK Ministry of Defence (MoD) announced the UAS’ first operational flights on 29 September.

Watchkeeper received an interim Release to Service (RTS) in March, clearing the way for the British Army to commence training flights in UK airspace. However, a report released on 25 March by the UK House of Commons Defence Committee suggested that Watchkeeper was unlikely to be deployed to Afghanistan due to ‘significant delays’ to the programme.

With operations now underway, the ISR capabilities of British forces operating in Afghanistan will be greatly enhanced.

Michael Fallon, British Defence Secretary, said: ‘Watchkeeper is the first UAS developed and built in the UK to become operational and will be a significant surveillance and reconnaissance capability for the army for years to come. There is no doubt that it will prove to be a battle-winning technology. Watchkeeper will provide real-time information for troops conducting operations on the ground, allowing them to understand better and thereby overcome threats they may face.’

Victor Chavez, CEO, Thales UK, added: ‘It is a proud moment for everyone at Thales to receive the great news that Watchkeeper is operational in Afghanistan, supporting and protecting British forces on the ground. It is an important milestone for the MOD, Thales and the wider European aerospace industry, made possible by its ground-breaking safety certification.

‘The system embodies a number of major technological innovations including ultra-high resolution, multi-modal radar and automatic take-off and landing to deliver an outstandingly effective military capability for the British Army.’

Thales has delivered a new comprehensive training capability based at MoD Larkhill and Boscombe Down, and has helped to establish Aberporth, West Wales as a leading UAV Testing Centre in Europe.

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Watchkeeper