Elbit Systems Ltd. has been awarded a framework contract to provide maritime UAS patrol services, which will be provided by the European Maritime Safety Agency (EMSA) to countries in the European Union.

The contract will be executed in cooperation with a leading engineering company in Portugal called CEiiA. The contract is for a two-year base period and two single year option periods. If fully ordered, the contract will have a total value of approximately $68 million.

Under the contract, Elbit Systems will lease and operate its Hermes 900 Maritime Patrol UAS and its Ground Control Station. Elbit Systems describes the Hermes 900 Maritime Patrol UAS as a “persistent long-range unmanned maritime surveillance system” designed for littoral and blue water operations. The UAS will feature a variety of technologies, including maritime radar, an Electro Optic payload, Satellite Communication and an Automatic Identification System (AIS) receiver.

With this configuration, the Hermes 900 Maritime Patrol UAS will provide persistent monitoring of large areas of sea and long coastlines, ultimately enabling effective identification of suspicious activities and potential hazards.

“Having been selected by the European Union authorities is yet another vote of confidence in the Hermes 900 by following additional contract awards for this UAS in Europe, Asia Pacific, Latin America and Israel,” comments Elad Aharonson, General Manager of Elbit Systems ISTAR Division.

“Extensively deployed, the Hermes 900 family of UAS continuously expands its capabilities introducing the capability to operate in civilian airspace and integrating self-protection suites and stronger payloads.”