Heron UAV to patrol Mediterranean skies as part of extended ADAS-IAI partnership with Frontex

Airbus’ subsidiary Airbus DS Airborne Solutions (ADAS) and its long-term partner Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI) have secured a deal to continue providing uncrewed aerial maritime surveillance services to Frontex, the European Border and Coast Guard Agency.

Under the terms of the follow-on framework contract that has now been signed, the medium-altitude, long-endurance system Heron will be operated for Frontex in the European sky over the Mediterranean for another four years. This is expected to make an important contribution to the security and stability of Europe.

The continuation of missions with the uncrewed aerial system (UAS) Heron under the new framework contract is scheduled for the beginning of 2025.

The UAS Heron can stay in the air for over 20 hours (in the contracted configuration). It collects surveillance data by using electro-optical sensors and thermal infrared sensors. The Heron UAS is also equipped with a high-performance maritime patrol radar and an automatic identification system of vessels, according to ADAS.

The company noted that all collected data will be forwarded directly to the Frontex operational command center in Warsaw and the control centers of the respective host countries.

This will enable it “to coordinate rescue operations in real-time, take action against illegal activities, and thus ensure the safety of the Mediterranean”.

“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 long-standing, successful cooperation with the European Union,” said Tim Behrens, CEO of Airbus DS Airborne Solutions.

“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.”

“Israel Aerospace Industries is proud to be chosen by Airbus to be the subcontractor for this Frontex contract,” said Moshe Levy, IAI VP and General Manager of the Military Aircraft Group.

“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.”