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?
Read this Article
Get access to this article with a Free Basic Account
- Original curated content, daily across air, land and naval domains
- 1 free story per week
- Personalised news alerts
- Daily and weekly newsletters
Unlimited Access
Access to all our premium news as a Premium News 365 Member. Corporate subscriptions available.
- Original curated content, daily across air, land and naval domains
- 14-day free trial (cancel at any time)
- Unlimited access to all published premium news
More from Air Warfare
-
![Lithuania orders three Airbus H145 helicopters for various roles]()
Lithuania orders three Airbus H145 helicopters for various roles
Lithuania has secured a deal with Airbus Helicopters for three H145M multi-mission aircraft for special forces operations and other roles, as part of the country's attempt to strengthen its defence capabilities.
-
![UK P-8 Poseidons to get Sting Ray Mod 1 torpedoes]()
UK P-8 Poseidons to get Sting Ray Mod 1 torpedoes
The UK MoD has confirmed the selection of the BAE Systems Sting Ray Mod 1 torpedo as the future torpedo capability for its P-8 Poseidon maritime patrol aircraft (MPA) fleet, alongside the US Navy's Mk54 weapon.
-
![Canada orders 14 Poseidon P-8A maritime patrol aircraft]()
Canada orders 14 Poseidon P-8A maritime patrol aircraft
Canada will purchase 14 Boeing P-8A Poseidon multi-mission aircraft to replace its ageing CP-140 Aurora fleet, joining Australia, New Zealand, US and UK as an operator of the aircraft type.
-
![Eurofighter Typhoon electronic combat aircraft set to replace German Tornadoes]()
Eurofighter Typhoon electronic combat aircraft set to replace German Tornadoes
Germany has given the green light to replace its Tornado ECR aircraft with Eurofighter Typhoon EK, a dedicated variant for electronic combat and SEAD.
-
![15 more KC-46A multi-mission aerial refuellers bound for USAF]()
15 more KC-46A multi-mission aerial refuellers bound for USAF
The US Air Force has ordered more Pegasus KC-46A multi-mission aerial refuelling aircraft with advanced communications and data connectivity.
