Airbus Chosen by European Border Agency for Cutting-Edge Maritime Surveillance Solutions

The European Border and Coast Guard Agency (Frontex) has awarded a significant contract to Airbus Defence and Space Airborne Solutions (ADAS), a leading provider in RPAS solutions, alongside its long-time partner, Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI). This collaboration aims to deliver a Medium Altitude Long Endurance (MALE) RPAS for maritime aerial surveillance services.

The service is set to be implemented in Greece, Italy, and Malta under a comprehensive Framework Contract. This includes the provision of an advanced RPAS platform, necessary payloads, communication systems, mission storage, and a team of specialists overseeing operations and support. Airbus and IAI will facilitate both planned missions and emergency ad-hoc requests.

The Heron RPAS from IAI is renowned worldwide, contributing to over 450,000 flight hours in diverse weather conditions, both daytime and nighttime. This exceptional system can sustain over 24 hours of operation while providing a real-time naval situational awareness for designated surveillance activities, which are vital for European monitoring efforts.

The RPAS will be equipped with specialized payloads such as electro-optical cameras for daytime use, infrared capabilities for night operations, maritime patrol radar from IAI, and an automatic identification system. Communication will be seamless with a direct link while within line of sight (LOS) and will transition to a satellite link when operating beyond line of sight (BLOS). This setup allows for continuous real-time data transmission to the Frontex command and control center and relevant Coast Guard units.

Extensive successful trials have demonstrated the unparalleled advantages of unmanned aerial systems for precise and prolonged surveillance. The Heron has been utilized by the Israeli Navy for many years, effectively conducting reconnaissance and security missions.

Mike Hoofdmann, CEO of ADAS, emphasized that this contract represents a pivotal moment for the company, expanding its successful unmanned operational capabilities from military to civil sectors, including Frontex. “This partnership allows us to showcase our effectiveness on a European scale, reinforcing our commitment to the security of Europe’s external borders and contributing to regional stability,” stated Hoofdmann.

IAI’s Executive Vice President and General Manager of the Military Aircraft Group, Moshe Levy, expressed enthusiasm about the contract with Frontex, highlighting the Heron’s successful mission fulfillment. “Operating in Europe’s civilian airspace marks a significant achievement for IAI and validates the RPAS’s capacity for civilian routes. We anticipate this contract will pave the way for further growth in civilian markets,” Levy concluded.