Canada Purchases Drone for Maritime Inspection
Increasing maritime activity in Canada’s Arctic region has fueled the purchase.
Radio Canada International reports about Canada’s purchase of Israel’s Hermes 900 StarLiner RPAS or Remotely Piloted Aircraft System.
The drone can operate up to 72 degreesNorth Latitude with a nautical range that extends beyond 1,400 miles.
Standout features of the drone include:
- An electrical optical infrared camera
- A mapping camera system
- A synthetic aperture radar, as well as
- Back-up command and control and navigation systems
Going forward, Transport Canada intends to use the drone for several maritime purposes, that include:
- Surveying ice conditions in the country’s Arctic region
- Detecting oil spills
- Keeping an eye on marine habitats
- Monitoring overall activity in the area
The contract, valued at over $36 million CAD, accounts not only for the purchase price of the drone but also for:
- Setup of ground control stations
- Establishing communication links
- Training for operating the drone
- Sensor packages
- Purchasing spare parts for the drone and other related equipment, as and when required
Commenting on the procurement, Canada’s Transport Minister, Marc Garneau said, “Canada is committed to protecting our endangered species and our marine environment.”
