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Australia to use unmanned aerial vehicles in Afghanistan

(Xinhua)
Updated: 2009-09-07 14:04

CANBERRA: The Australian Defense Force has acquired unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) for use in Afghanistan, Australian Associated Press reported on Monday.

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The Royal Australian Air Force and Australian Army personnel have already been trained on the Heron UAV by their Canadian counterparts who currently operate the vehicles in Afghanistan.

"This high resolution intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance capability will enhance the capability of Australian forces," Defense Minister John Faulkner said in a statement.

The Heron UAV is a one-tonne aircraft capable of medium altitude and long endurance flights.

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.

When systems were acquired Australia would establish a full Heron detachment of air force and army personnel, Faulkner said.

"Air power of the future will involve a balance of manned and unmanned platforms," he said, adding a long endurance UAV could enhance force protection by providing ground commanders with real time intelligence.

The Heron UAV can conduct operations in excess of 24 hours, with a maximum speed of more than 100 knots (180 km/h) and at altitudes of up to 10,000 meters.