News Review: Army to get Shadow 200 | ADM Sep 2010

Defence minister Senator John Faulkner, announced shortly before the election that the Government had approved the acquisition of the AAI Shadow 200 Tactical UAV system under JP129 Ph.2.

The Army will acquire two complete RQ-7 Shadow 200 systems, comprising 18 air vehicles, ground control systems, vehicles and other support systems and training at a total cost of $175 million.

This is a far higher number of air vehicles than is normal: a typical RQ-7 TUAV system, used by US Army brigades, includes just four air vehicles.

This project cost also includes funding to enable the expedited delivery and operation of the new UAVs to the Middle East Area of Operations and forms part of the Government’s $1.1 billion Force Protection package announced in the 2010-11 Budget.

Although described as “accelerated”, the process of acquiring the Shadow 200 has been protracted.

Following the cancellation of Boeing’s original JP129 prime contract in late-2008, Defence said it would acquire an off the shelf TUAV system as a matter of urgency.

“The selection of the Shadow 200 system will provide the Australian Army with the most capable and operationally proven tactically mobile TUAV system that exists in any defence force,” Senator Faulkner said.

He added that the current interim UAV service, provided by the Boeing/InSitu ScanEagle, will remain in ADF service in the Middle East until the Shadow 200 is delivered.