Frontex picks Heron for maritime surveillance role
Framework contract follows series of trials over recent years
The European Border and Coast Guard Agency (Frontex) has awarded a framework contract to Airbus Defence and Space Airborne Solutions (ADAS) and its long-term partner Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI) to operate a MALE RPAS for maritime aerial surveillance services.
This contract, worth an undisclosed amount, was awarded following multiple successful trials in recent years, ADAS noted on 20 October.
Missions with a special version of the IAI Heron MALE UAS, equipped with EO/IR sensors and an IAI-made maritime patrol radar, will be flown from Greece, Italy or Malta (or all three countries).
The maritime surveillance service includes the provision of a RPAS platform, payload, communication equipment and capacity, mission storage and operational support.
Airbus and IAI will provide the service for pre-planned assignments as well as for ad hoc calls.
Heron will use a direct link when flying within LoS, changing to a satellite link when operating BLoS to transmit real-time information or when flying at low altitude over sea. Information is being transmitted to the Frontex C2 centre as well as to relevant coast guard centres.
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