American Pressure Worked: Australia Picks Reaper over Heron
The MQ-9 Reaper, which according to Defense Minister Pyne “best meets the capability requirements for Australia's first armed RPAS,” was selected over IAI’s Heron TP. The US pressure and the fact that Australia is a member of the Five Eyes apparently tipped the scale in favor of General Atomics
Ami Rojkes Dombe
| 18/11/2018
https://www.airforce.gov.au/technology/aircraft/intelligence-surveillance-and-reconnaissance/heron
The Australian Defense Department announced it had selected the MQ-9 Reaper, produced by General Atomics, to meet requirements under Project Air 7003 Phase 1 for an armed MALE UAV.
In a November 16 statement, Australian Minister for Defense Christopher Pyne said the Reaper “best meets the capability requirements for Australia's first armed remotely piloted aircraft system.” The DoD said it will now approach the US government to request pricing and availability on Reaper variants in support of future decision making on the acquisition.
The Reaper will replace the Royal Australian Air Force's (RAAF's) IAI Heron 1 UAV, which was retired from service last year. To replace the Heron 1, the Israeli company offered the Australian DoD its Heron TP UAV. However, since Australia and the US are both members of the Five Eyes intelligence alliance, the chances of beating an American offer were slim.
The scope of the project is estimated at $1.45 billion.
[Source: Jane’s]
The MQ-9 Reaper, which according to Defense Minister Pyne “best meets the capability requirements for Australia's first armed RPAS,” was selected over IAI’s Heron TP. The US pressure and the fact that Australia is a member of the Five Eyes apparently tipped the scale in favor of General Atomics
https://www.airforce.gov.au/technology/aircraft/intelligence-surveillance-and-reconnaissance/heron
The Australian Defense Department announced it had selected the MQ-9 Reaper, produced by General Atomics, to meet requirements under Project Air 7003 Phase 1 for an armed MALE UAV.
In a November 16 statement, Australian Minister for Defense Christopher Pyne said the Reaper “best meets the capability requirements for Australia's first armed remotely piloted aircraft system.” The DoD said it will now approach the US government to request pricing and availability on Reaper variants in support of future decision making on the acquisition.
The Reaper will replace the Royal Australian Air Force's (RAAF's) IAI Heron 1 UAV, which was retired from service last year. To replace the Heron 1, the Israeli company offered the Australian DoD its Heron TP UAV. However, since Australia and the US are both members of the Five Eyes intelligence alliance, the chances of beating an American offer were slim.
The scope of the project is estimated at $1.45 billion.
[Source: Jane’s]
