Sunday, July 20, 2025
  • About us
    • Write for us
    • Disclaimer
    • Terms of use
    • Privacy Policy
  • RSS Feeds
  • Advertise with us
  • Contact us
DefenceTalk
  • Home
  • Defense News
    • Defense & Geopolitics News
    • War Conflicts News
    • Army News
    • Air Force News
    • Navy News
    • Missiles Systems News
    • Nuclear Weapons
    • Defense Technology
    • Cybersecurity News
  • Military Photos
  • Defense Forum
  • Military Videos
  • Military Weapon Systems
    • Weapon Systems
    • Reports
No Result
View All Result
  • Home
  • Defense News
    • Defense & Geopolitics News
    • War Conflicts News
    • Army News
    • Air Force News
    • Navy News
    • Missiles Systems News
    • Nuclear Weapons
    • Defense Technology
    • Cybersecurity News
  • Military Photos
  • Defense Forum
  • Military Videos
  • Military Weapon Systems
    • Weapon Systems
    • Reports
No Result
View All Result
DefenceTalk
No Result
View All Result
Home Defence & Military News Air Force News

Air Force to Begin Operating Its First Unmanned Aerial System

by Australian Department of Defence
February 24, 2010
in Air Force News
2 min read
0
14
VIEWS

Minister for Defence Senator John Faulkner today announced that the Royal Australian Air Force has acquired Heron Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) in close collaboration with Canadian Defence forces.

“This high resolution intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance capability will enhance the capability of Australian forces in Afghanistan,” Senator Faulkner said.

The Heron UAV is a one-tonne aircraft capable of medium altitude, long endurance flights.

Under Project NANKEEN, the Defence Materiel Organisation has signed a contract with Canadian company MacDonald, Dettwiler and Associates Ltd. (MDA) to lease Heron UAV services which will provide high resolution intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance (ISR) capability.

The Australian Defence Force has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the Canadian Forces which already operates Heron UAVs in Afghanistan.

In July 2009 Royal Australian Air Force and Australian Army personnel undertook Heron training in Canada. These personnel have now been absorbed within the Canadian Heron UAV Detachment at Kandahar airfield conducting combat operations in support of ISAF.

This has meant the ADF has rapidly established its Heron capability by drawing on the Canadians’ operational knowledge, experience and facilities.

“The Australian Government greatly appreciates the assistance of the Canadian Defence Force in this project,” Senator Faulkner said.

When the systems acquired through the NANKEEN contract are delivered to Kandahar, Australia will establish its full Heron detachment of Air Force and Army personnel.

“Air power of the future will involve a balance of manned and unmanned platforms. In particular a long endurance UAV can enhance force protection by providing ground commanders with real time intelligence,” Senator Faulkner said.

“The experience that Air Force gains in operating long endurance UAVs in Afghanistan will also help shape the development of unmanned Defence capabilities for Australia through the next decade,” Senator Faulkner said.

Heron can conduct operations in excess of 24 hours, with a maximum speed of more than 100 knots (180 km/h) and at altitudes of up to 10,000 metres.

This leading edge technology is operationally proven and provides Australia with an essential capability. It also allows Australian Defence Industry involvement, with companies including Geospatial Intelligence, Carbine Security Installations and Fujitsu Australia.

Tags: afghanistanaustraliaHeronheron UAVUnmanned Aerial Vehiclewar on terror
Previous Post

Robotics Rodeo aims to save lives

Next Post

Afghanistan-bound HMLA-367 to Bring New Huey to the Fight

Related Posts

Germany says adding explosive drones to weapons arsenal

Germany says adding explosive drones to weapons arsenal

April 8, 2025

Germany said Friday it would buy explosive drones for the first time as Berlin boosts investments in its armed forces...

F-22 Raptor

Trump, Hegseth Announce Air Force’s Next Generation Fighter Platform

March 21, 2025

During a press conference at the White House today, President Donald J. Trump and Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth announced that...

Next Post

Afghanistan-bound HMLA-367 to Bring New Huey to the Fight

Latest Defense News

Britain, Germany jointly developing missiles: ministers

Britain, Germany jointly developing missiles: ministers

May 17, 2025
Trump announces ‘full and immediate’ India-Pakistan ceasefire

Trump announces ‘full and immediate’ India-Pakistan ceasefire

May 10, 2025
Pakistan says Indian missiles strike air bases as conflict spirals

Pakistan says Indian missiles strike air bases as conflict spirals

May 10, 2025
J-10C fighter jet

Pakistan says India has brought neighbours ‘closer to major conflict’

May 9, 2025
North Korea fires multiple suspected cruise missiles

North Korea fires flurry of short-range ballistic missiles

May 9, 2025
China says ‘closely watching’ Ukraine situation after Russian attack

China vows to stand with Russia in face of ‘hegemonic bullying’

May 9, 2025

Defense Forum Discussions

Loading RSS Feed
DefenceTalk

© 2003-2020 DefenceTalk.com

Navigate Site

  • Defence Forum
  • Military Photos
  • RSS Feeds
  • About us
  • Advertise with us
  • Contact us

Follow Us

No Result
View All Result
  • Home
  • Defense News
    • Defense & Geopolitics News
    • War Conflicts News
    • Army News
    • Air Force News
    • Navy News
    • Missiles Systems News
    • Nuclear Weapons
    • Defense Technology
    • Cybersecurity News
  • Military Photos
  • Defense Forum
  • Military Videos
  • Military Weapon Systems
    • Weapon Systems
    • Reports

© 2003-2020 DefenceTalk.com