ADF to get UAVs

THE ADF will spend $100-150 million to acquire a fleet of tactical unmanned surveillance planes.

Defence is calling for tenders for the project, with the successful tenderer expected to be selected by May 2005. The UAVs will provide surveillance, reconnaissance and target acquisition in support of land operations.

The Army will operate the new capability. The tactical UAV system would be complemented by a larger highaltitude strategic UAV, such as the Global Hawk, as foreshadowed in the Defence Capability Plan.

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