For shipborne UAVs, Canberra continues to use the Camcopter S-100.
For the Royal Australian Navy’s unmanned air vehicle (UAV) needs, Canberra has decided to go with a sole-source acquisition (RAN).
With the SEA 129 Phase 5 competition cancelled, Schiebel’s Camcopter S-100 will fill the shipborne marine function.
“Schiebel Pacific welcomes the decision of the Commonwealth of Australia to speed up the provision of its [unmanned air system] capability by initiating a single source acquisition of the Camcopter S-100,” says Schiebel.
“This will enable the [RAN] to accelerate the capability acquisition they need and together with our local partners, we are committed to deliver the best UAS solution for the Royal Australian Navy.”
According to the Australian Defence Business Review, five teams were shortlisted in March 2021: Raytheon/Schiebel with the Camcopter S-100; Textron Australia with the Aerosonde MK4.7/HQ; Northrop Grumman and Leonardo with the AWHero; Insitu Pacific with the ScanEagle/Integrator; and BAE Systems Australia with an unspecified platform.
“Schiebel Pacific applauds the Commonwealth of Australia’s decision to accelerate the delivery of its [unmanned air system] capacity by launching a single source acquisition of the Camcopter S-100,” adds Schiebel.
“We are committed to delivering the best UAS solution for the Royal Australian Navy in collaboration with our local partners.”
Raytheon/Schiebel with the Camcopter S-100; Textron Australia with the Aerosonde MK4.7/HQ; Northrop Grumman and Leonardo with the AWHero; Insitu Pacific with the ScanEagle/Integrator; and BAE Systems Australia with an unspecified platform were among the five teams shortlisted in March 2021, according to the Australian Defence Business Review.