Thailand seals order for Hermes 900
The Royal Thai Navy has officially ordered Hermes 900 UAVs from Elbit Systems. (Photo: Elbit Systems)
Having emerged ahead of three other proposals in a competitive tender, Elbit Systems has officially received an order to supply the Royal Thai Navy with Hermes 900 UASs.
The Royal Thai Navy (RTN) has officially ordered the Hermes 900 Maritime UAS from Elbit Systems to meet its MALE UAV requirements for blue water and littoral missions.
In confirming the THB4 billion ($120 million), three-year deal on 28 September, Elbit did not indicate the quantity of Hermes aircraft to be supplied but Shephard previously reported that the RTN was looking for seven UAS plus two mobile ground control stations and a one indoor control station.
Elbit will also provide ‘training capabilities’ for the RTN.
The RTN UAV fleet already includes the Orbiter 3B, Camcopter S-100 and RQ-21A Blackjack but the much larger Hermes 900 offers expanded altitude, range and mission endurance capabilities.
The Elbit-manufactured UAV was selected ahead of the Heron TP, Wing Loong II and MQ-9A Reaper.
Thailand will be the third country in ASEAN to operate the Hermes 900 after Singapore and the Philippines. The UAVs will be operated from RTN coastal aviation bases.
The Hermes 900 Maritime UAS for Thailand will feature a maritime radar, an EO payload, SATCOM equipment and droppable inflatable liferafts for maritime SAR missions.
Related Programmes in Defence Insight
Related Equipment in Defence Insight
More from Air Warfare
-
![Optimism remains for GCAP and FCAS future despite programme stumbling blocks]()
Optimism remains for GCAP and FCAS future despite programme stumbling blocks
Both sixth-generation combat aircraft programmes are still awaiting major key decisions from respective governments with regards to funding or future direction, but industry and governmental officials remain optimistic of progress going forward.
-
![SOF Week 2026: AFSOC unveils deployable Block II OA-1K Skyraider II]()
SOF Week 2026: AFSOC unveils deployable Block II OA-1K Skyraider II
AFSOC has revealed a new Block II variant of the OA-1K Skyraider II featuring rapid deployment and reassembly capabilities designed to support expeditionary special operations missions.
-
![British Army's Project Nyx progress reflects MoD investment in autonomous system]()
British Army's Project Nyx progress reflects MoD investment in autonomous system
The UK MoD said it would narrow down the competitors from four to two later in the year, with those selected going on to develop the prototype drone that will operate as loyal wingman to the British Army’s Apache AH-64E helicopters.
-
![UH-60M Black Hawk: export demand underpins $13 billion market opportunity]()
UH-60M Black Hawk: export demand underpins $13 billion market opportunity
The UH-60M is the latest variant of the UH-60, a workhorse multirole helicopter that continues to attract further orders from across the globe. With further modernisation upgrades underway, the platform is expected to remain in operation until 2050.
