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)
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
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