Drone Demonstration and Development Project

The UK's Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA) has awarded a GBP 990,000 contract to Elbit Systems for the 'Drone Demonstration and Development Project,' procuring demonstration and development of unmanned aerial systems (UAS) such as the Hermes 900 Maritime Patrol. The purpose is to trial long-range drone capabilities in civilian airspace for maritime search and rescue, surveillance, hazard identification, and pollution monitoring around UK coasts. This aligns with MCA's strategy to enhance 24/7 SAR operations, reduce personnel risk, and integrate advanced UAS technologies, building on prior 2020 trials.