Defence has issued a request for information to industry focused on long-range uncrewed aircraft systems (UAS), which can operate up to 1,400 nautical miles from base for at least six hours.
The information gathered will provide Defence with indicative costs and timeframes for the potential delivery of a system to conduct maritime surveillance activities across the South West Pacific. The UAS will not be armed.
“This request for information is a market research tool that aims to inform the next stage of the Persistent Surveillance Air project. It does not initiate a procurement process nor a commitment to acquire new systems. No decisions have been made,” Sarah Minson, Deputy Secretary, Capability Delivery, said.
“We are looking for solutions that have high-definition imaging systems and a maritime search radar, with the ability to provide near real time imagery back to the ground control station in all weather conditions, and during the day or night. We are currently planning a commercially owned and commercially operated delivery model.
“Defence encourages New Zealand businesses to provide a response to this request for information, describing how they could meet the needs of the New Zealand Defence Force.”
The notice has been published on the Government Electronic Tender Service.
