Navy Will Commence ISR Operations Next Year
In a further example of the extent to which Schiebel’s CAMCOPTER S-100 unmanned aerial system (UAS) is winning procurement competitions with naval authorities around the world, the company announced on 4 November that the Royal Thai Navy (RTN) is to receive the system next year.
The contract, signed by Adm Prachachart Sirisawat, Director General Naval Acquisition Management for the RTN and Schiebel’s CEO Hannes Hecher, followed an extensive international competition. The aircraft will de deployed on the RTN frigate fleet next year to deliver land- and sea-based intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance (ISR) operations. This marks the first time the RTN will use VTOL UAS for maritime operations.
To ensure a smooth transition into service and provide commercial offset, Schiebel has partnered with MoraThai Defence Company Limited of Bangkok. “With the Royal Thai Navy, we have another major maritime contract to add to our growing list of customers. Our CAMCOPTER S-100 is recognised for being a reliable and proven UAS, especially at sea, which is why we outpaced all other UAS suppliers in the competitive tender process,” commented Schiebel Group Chairman, Hans Georg Schiebel.
