Frontex selects Airbus for maritime surveillance
Airbus subsidiary Airbus DS Airborne Solutions (ADAS), alongside its longstanding partner Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI), has secured a continuation of uncrewed aerial maritime surveillance services for Frontex, the European Border and Coast Guard Agency. This follow-on framework contract, signed recently, allows the Medium-Altitude, Long-Endurance system Maritime Heron to conduct operations for Frontex over the Mediterranean for an additional four years, significantly enhancing Europe’s security and stability.
The renewed missions utilizing the Heron uncrewed aerial system (UAS) are set to commence in early 2025. The Maritime Heron is capable of flying for over 20 hours in its contracted configuration, equipped with advanced electro-optical and thermal infrared sensors. In addition, it features a high-performance maritime patrol radar and an automatic identification system for vessels.
Data collected by the Maritime Heron will be transmitted directly to the Frontex operational command center in Warsaw and the control centers of the host countries. This capability will facilitate real-time coordination of rescue operations, enable intervention against illegal activities, and bolster safety efforts in the Mediterranean.
Tim Behrens, CEO of Airbus DS Airborne Solutions, commented, “This new contract underlines both the leading position of ADAS and IAI in the provision and execution of services with Medium-Altitude, Long-Endurance drone systems and the long-standing, successful cooperation with the European Union. We are grateful to continuously support Frontex on its essential commitment to monitor and secure Europe’s external borders and hence proud to contribute to the stability of Europe.”
Moshe Levy, IAI VP and General Manager of the Military Aircraft Group, expressed pride in being selected by Airbus as the subcontractor for the Frontex contract. “We will continue to provide Airbus with all its requirements, while delivering the highest level of professional service. The Heron UAS has clocked over 650,000 hours of operational flight around the world to date, successfully carrying out all its missions. We look forward with confidence to continued success in the European Union.”
The uncrewed aerial system Heron will be operated for Frontex in the European sky over the Mediterranean for another four years, making an important contribution to the security and stability of Europe.
Source: Airbus Defence and Space (2025-12-10)
