The Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) has begun operations of the first Heron unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) in support of the Australian troops in Afghanistan.

Designated A45-262, the UAV will deliver high-resolution intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance (ISR) capability, in support of the Australian Defence Force (ADF) operations in Afghanistan.

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As part of the project Nankeen, Canadian firm MacDonald, Dettwiler and Associates Ltd (MDA) signed a contract with the Defence Material Organisation to develop the UAV.

Equipped with cutting-edge technology, the UAV will enhance the security of the ground troop, by providing ground commanders with ongoing, real-time situational awareness.

The long-endurance features of Heron UAV increase the ADF’s operational ISR capabilities in Afghanistan that are currently provided by RAAF AP-3C Orions and the army’s Scan Eagle tactical UAV.

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