Australia's air force has begun using Israeli-made unmanned aerial vehicles in Afghanistan, Australia's defense ministry said last week. The use of Heron model drones, manufactured by the Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI), is meant to supply intelligence on targets in the southern part of Afghanistan. The Heron is a Medium Altitude Long Endurance (MALE) UAV, which can remain airborne for over 30 hours with a cruising altitude of 30,000 feet and an ability to carry approximately 250 kilograms of payloads.
Video of Israeli Heron UAV
Heron UAV's are in use by Israel, India, Australia, Canada, Turkey, and France (as the SIDM/EAGLE EuroMALE variant). They have also been used successfully by US SOUTHCOM as drug interdiction aircraft.
RAAF and Australian Army personnel have already been trained on the Heron UAV by their Canadian counterparts who presently operate the vehicles in Afghanistan.
"This high resolution intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance capability will enhance the capability of Australian forces," Defence Minister John Faulkner said in a statement.
Australian defense personnel have been absorbed within the Canadian Heron UAV detachment at Kandahar airfield conducting combat operations in support of the NATO-led coalition.
Australia intends to establish a full Heron detachment of air force and army personnel, Senator Faulkner said.
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