Airbus subsidiary Airbus DS Airborne Solutions (ADAS) and long-term partner Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI) have signed a follow-on framework contract to continue to provide uncrewed aerial maritime surveillance services to the European Border and Coast Guard Agency Frontex, the companies announced on 17 December 2024.
Under the terms of the contract IAI’s Heron medium-altitude, long-endurance (MALE) unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) will be operated for Frontex over the Mediterranean for another four years, making an important contribution to the security and stability of Europe. The contract came into effect from the beginning of 2025.
The Maritime Heron UAV can stay in the air for over 20 hours (in its contracted configuration) and collects surveillance data using electro-optical and infrared sensors. It is also equipped with a high-performance maritime patrol radar and an automatic identification system.
All collected data is forwarded directly to the Frontex operational command centre in Warsaw, Poland, and the control centres of the respective host countries. This enables them to co-ordinate rescue operations in real time, take action against illegal activities and thus ensure the security of Mediterranean waters.
“This new contract underlines both the leading position of ADAS and IAI in the provision and execution of services with medium-altitude, long-endurance drone systems and the longstanding, successful co-operation with the European Union,” Tim Behrens, CEO of Airbus DS Airborne Solutions, was quoted as saying in a company press release. “We are grateful to continuously support Frontex on its essential commitment to monitor and secure Europe’s external borders and hence proud to contribute to the stability of Europe.”
Moshe Levy, IAI vice president and general manager of IAI’s Military Aircraft Group, added, “Israel Aerospace Industries is proud to be chosen by Airbus to be subcontractor for this Frontex contract. We will continue to provide Airbus with all its requirements, while delivering the highest level of professional service. The Heron UAS has clocked over 650,000 hours of operational flight around the world to date, successfully carrying out all its missions. We look forward with confidence to continued success in the European Union.”
