DEFENCE MEDIA RELEASE
Issued by Ministerial Support and Public Affairs, Department of Defence, Canberra, ACT
Phone: 02 6127 1999, Fax: 02 6265 1545
MSPA 009/10
Wednesday, 13 January 2010
HERON UAV TO SUPPORT AUSTRALIAN TROOPS IN
AFGHANISTAN
The first Australian-leased Heron Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) has started initial
operations supporting Australian, Afghan and International Security Assistance Forces
(ISAF) in Afghanistan.
Under Project Nankeen, the Defence Materiel Organisation has signed a contract with
MacDonald, Dettwiler and Associates Ltd (MDA) to provide Heron Unmanned Aerial
System (UAS) services which will deliver high resolution intelligence, surveillance and
reconnaissance (ISR) capability supporting ADF and ISAF operations in southern
Afghanistan.
Heron uses leading edge technology to boost force protection by providing ground
commanders with live situational awareness.
Heron’s long endurance characteristic enhances the ADF’s operational ISR capabilities in
Afghanistan, currently provided by Air Force AP-3C Orions and Army’s Scan Eagle tactical
UAV.
For the past five months, an Air Force-led ADF detachment has been preparing for the
delivery of the Australian Heron UAV, by working with the Canadian Heron detachment in
southern Afghanistan, drawing on the Canadians’ operational knowledge, experience and
facilities.
The Australian Heron detachment has been drawn from many parts of Air Force and Army. It
includes UAS pilots, payload operators, intelligence officers, imagery analysts, engineers,
administrative and logistics personnel.
Personnel from the Heron detachment are continuing to hone their skills with ISAF personnel.
The initial training program provided Australian personnel with the theatre qualifications to
conduct operations and provide support for our troops on the ground.
The Initial Operating Capability has been achieved and development of the full capability is
ongoing. The Heron is expected to be fully mission capable in the coming months.
Heron is a one tonne aircraft capable of medium altitude, long endurance flights. It was
selected after a detailed examination of off-the-shelf, low risk ISR systems available to be
quickly deployed to Afghanistan. The Heron contract is for an initial one year period of
operations, with an option to extend.
Media Note: Imagery of the Heron UAV is available at:
Media contacts: Defence Media Liaison (02) 6127 1999 or 0408 498 664
NEWS 
