Heron A45-262 at the IAI factory. (Dept of Defence)
The first Israeli Aerospace Industries Heron Medium Altitude Long Endurance (MALE) UAV is scheduled to be delivered to the RAAF on December 10 under Project Nankeen.
The aircraft will wear the A45-262 designation, and will be the first of an unspecified number of Herons operated on a lease arrangement from Canadian firm MacDonald, Dettwiler and Associates alongside Canadian Herons in support of Australian and coalition security and reconstruction forces in Afghanistan.
This content is available exclusively to Australian Aviation members.
To unlock all Australian Aviation magazine content and again unlimited access to our daily news and features, become a member today. A monthly membership is only $5.99 or save with our annual plans.
Unlimited access to all Australian Aviation digital content
Access to the Australian Aviation app
Australian Aviation quarterly digital magazines
Access to In Focus reports via our app
Access to our Behind the Lens photo galleries and other exclusive content
Daily news updates via our email bulletin
The RAAF has had a detachment of personnel embedded with the Canadian military operating the Heron since July, and will commence operations with its own aircraft in early 2010.