Indo-Pacific 2022: Schiebel nabs pole position for expedited UAV contract
Schiebel’s S-100 Camcopter has been selected to proceed as preferred choice for Project Sea 129 Phase 5 Block 1 of the Royal Australian Navy. (ADF)
To speed up acquisition, Australia has selected the Austrian-designed Camcopter for a naval UAV requirement.
Australia has selected a Raytheon Australia-led solution for a single-source acquisition of S-100 Camcopters for Project Sea 129 Phase 5 Block 1, a programme that seeks shipborne UAVs for the Royal Australian Navy (RAN).
In a statement released by Schiebel on 4 May, the Austria-based company welcomed Canberra’s decision to ‘speed up the provision of its UAS capability’.
Australian officialdom calls it progressive industry engagement, but the sudden decision came as a surprise to both Raytheon and Scheibel. Raytheon Australia now has till August to submit its best offer, with a contract expected early in 2023.
By opting for
Already have an account? Log in
Want to keep reading this article?
More from Air Warfare
-
![Spain air report: Demand builds with $19.7 billion up for grabs in unawarded contracts]()
Spain air report: Demand builds with $19.7 billion up for grabs in unawarded contracts
Despite Spain’s modest GDP spend on defence, the country still has a range of fixed-wing and UAV programme requirements as yet unawarded, with a potential US$3.10 billion set to be spent over the next decade.
-
![Why the F-16 fighter jet remains a force to be reckoned with (updated 2026)]()
Why the F-16 fighter jet remains a force to be reckoned with (updated 2026)
The Lockheed Martin F-16 fighter jet remains in the limelight more than 40 years after its first flight. Shephard sums up the latest developments and details everything you need to know about the aircraft in 2026.
-
![Airbus Helicopters sees defence portfolio’s “strong momentum” continue into 2026]()
Airbus Helicopters sees defence portfolio’s “strong momentum” continue into 2026
The aerospace company’s 2025 performance figures revealed significant orders from various European armed forces and a boost in demand for its uncrewed offerings.
-
![British Army ACP project progresses with contract selection expected March 2026]()
British Army ACP project progresses with contract selection expected March 2026
Known as Project Nyx, the loyal wingman developed from this initiative will accompany the Apache 64-E and be used to complement tanks and artillery.
