MoD seeks industry input on long-range uncrewed aircraft systems

Defence is seeking industry input on an unarmed unmanned aerial system to support maritime surveillance across the South West Pacific, aiming to establish indicative costs and timeframes for potential delivery. The notice has been published on the Government Electronic Tender Service.

“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, Ministry of Defence 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.”