Interest in Contractor-Operated Platforms Increasing
Draken Europe and Elbit Systems UK have signed an MoU of strategic cooperation in the field of UAS.
Their cooperation will address the growing market interest in use of unmanned systems to support contractor-operated ISR missions. Set against an international backdrop of intensifying homeland and border security challenges, the companies will work together as manufacturer and operator, identifying opportunities that exploit Elbit Systems UK’s range of advanced UAS, including the Hermes StarLiner, the world’s first MALE UAS to be certified for civil aviation.
“We have a long history of operating special missions, search and rescue operations and ISR sorties on behalf of government customers internationally. The development of civil aviation-compliant uncrewed systems is a natural next step in this sector, and our cooperation with Elbit Systems UK gives us a partnership with a manufacturer that benefits from decades of proven operational experience and a flexible approach, willing to adapt its systems to meet evolving end-customer requirements,” commented Paul Armstrong, Draken Europe’s CEO.
“Elbit Systems UK has extensive experience in delivering best-in-class and proven UAS platforms such as Skylark 3 and Starliner, and this MoU represents an opportunity for us to share our expertise and pedigree. We will leverage our manufacturing knowledge and high technology in conjunction with Draken’s service experience to deliver an efficient and productive collaboration, supporting the delivery of advanced ISR services,” added Elbit Systems UK CEO, Martin Fausset.
