IAI, Airbus sign Heron TP agreement
Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI) has signed an agreement with Airbus to lease the Heron TP UAS to Germany’s Federal Ministry of Defence, the company announced on 14 June.
Under the $600 million agreement, Airbus DS Airborne Solutions will be the prime contractor responsible for managing all aspects of the project, including operational support and maintenance throughout the term of the agreement.
The nine-year agreement is pending approval of the German federal budget, which is expected in the second half of 2018.
The Heron TP is a high altitude, long endurance, multiple-payload RPAS. Integrated with advanced technologies, it is capable of operating in extreme weather conditions. The Heron TP is the strategic variant of the Heron family, which includes the Heron 1 used by the German Air Force.
Shaul Shahar, IAI EVP and general manager of the Military Aircraft Group, said: ‘We are thrilled and proud of this agreement with the Federal Ministry of Defence, a major strategic customer. The Heron TP is a first rate strategic RPAS. Its strong performance will provide Germany with unprecedented air superiority.
'We regard it as a powerful symbol that the technology of Israel’s largest defence company will be used in the heart of Germany’s defence organisation.’
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