Tel Aviv: Singapore has selected the Elbit Systems’ Hermes -900 UAV as its next unmanned system.
As part of the SAF2040 transformation, the Singapore Air Force (SAF) will progressively take delivery of the Hermes-900 Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) made by Israeli company Elbit Systems. The new UAV will replace the Hermes 450 UAV, which has been in service for close to two decades and is becoming obsolete.
According to the Singapore ministry of defence (MINDEF), the Hermes-900 UAV was assessed to best meet the SAF’s operational needs. Singapore joins a list of countries around the world that operate this advanced system.
This advanced Israeli made UAV has a maximum takeoff weight of 1,180 kg including a 350 kg payload. According to the company, it has an endurance of up to 36 hours, while the service ceiling is 30,000 ft.
The Hermes 900 is used by the Israeli Air Force (IAF) and is combat proven. The IAF’s UAVs are armed with different weapon systems and in recent conflicts with the Hezbollah in Lebanon and the Hamas in Gaza, these UAVs were operated extensively.
-The writer is an Israel-based freelance journalist. The views expressed are of the writer and do not necessarily reflect the views of Raksha Anirveda
