Thailand orders maritime drones for navy
Thailand has awarded a US$107.67 million contract to Israeli defence firm Elbit Systems, to supply a fleet of Hermes 900 maritime drones to the Royal Thai Navy
While the number of drones is unconfirmed, a budget for the procurement of the system has been set to run for over four years, between 2022 and 2025.
Under the contract, Elbit will provide the navy with a fleet of its Hermes 900 drones, equipped with maritime radar, electro-optic payload, satellite communications equipment and droppable life rafts, among other capabilities.
The drones are intended to enhance management of the Thai coastline, communicate with vessels, and carry out operations including maritime search and rescue (SAR), aerial surveillance and the identification of potential shipping hazards.
Elbit Systems also previously trialled the use of the Hermes 900 in the UK as a potential tool for SAR in September 2020, in partnership with the Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA) and Civil Aviation Authority (CAA).