Australia reverses decision on Schiebel Camcopters for naval UAVs
Schiebel’s S-100 Camcopter had been selected for Project Sea 129 Phase 5 Block 1, but the government has reversed the decision. (Photo: ADF)
It turns out that Australia has made absolutely no progress in obtaining shipborne UAVs in the past 18 months or so.
The Royal Australian Navy (RAN) has cancelled its acquisition of Camcopter S-100 shipborne UAVs from Schiebel, which formed Project Sea 129 Phase 5 Block 1.
In typical fashion, the Department of Defence, which is increasingly paranoid about media engagement, has been tightlipped about the reversal.
It only enigmatically said: ‘Sea 129 Phase 5 has not been discontinued. Defence is examining options for the future of Sea 129 Phase 5 as part of its holistic response to the [Defence Strategic Review].’
However, Shephard understands that partners Raytheon Australia and Schiebel were issued a cancellation notice around mid-June.
Neil Hunter, Global
Already have an account? Log in
Want to keep reading this article?
More from Air Warfare
-
![Protecting the horizon]()
Protecting the horizon
Make it an unfair fight, with the EA-37B. Deny, degrade, and disrupt the enemy.
-
![Peru cleared for possible $3.42 billion F-16 Block 70 buy]()
Peru cleared for possible $3.42 billion F-16 Block 70 buy
The potential foreign military sale covers 12 F-16 aircraft as well as related training and equipment support, the DSCA notice said.
-
![DSEI 2025: UK’s new Air Chief Marshal outlines nuclear, space and IAMD as three key priorities for RAF]()
DSEI 2025: UK’s new Air Chief Marshal outlines nuclear, space and IAMD as three key priorities for RAF
Aiming to field a more integrated, agile force, the military leader said in a keynote speech that focus on these core areas would be increased to help the RAF deter and meet challenges in the new threat landscape.
-
![Project Kuiper’s LEO network pioneers Space-as-a-Service]()
Project Kuiper’s LEO network pioneers Space-as-a-Service
The Kuiper Network enables organizations to buy, rather than build, applications that serve mission needs at mission speed.
