Israeli UAVs at the Philippines Armed Forces?

Israeli UAVs at the Philippines Armed Forces?

Hermes 900

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An Israeli UAV was spotted flying over an undisclosed Philippines airspace in Luzon, as reported by global news sources.

The Hermes 900 Kochav (Star) is Elbit Systems’ next-generation multi-role medium altitude long endurance (MALE) unmanned aerial system (UAS).

The Hermes 900 allows flight altitudes of more than 30,000 ft, large payload capacity and flight capabilities in adverse weather conditions. It is based on the combat proven Hermes 450 UAS.

The Hermes-900 has a wingspan of 15 m, is 8.3 m long and has a max takeoff weight of 1,100 kg.  Its max. payload weight is 300 kg.

The UAV is capable of performing missions for area dominance and persistent intelligence, surveillance, target acquisition and reconnaissance.

According to update.ph, Elbit is actively participating in the Philippine military’s modernization. It already delivered 24 upgraded armored personnel carriers and Elbit-Soltam M-71 155mm/39CAL Towed howitzers to the Armed Forces of the Philippines.

Philippines’ Department of National Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana previously said that Second Horizon of the military’s Modernization Program will include fast crafts, drones and more helicopters.

“We have no confirmation yet from the Department of National Defense if the Philippines will close the deal for the Elbit Systems Hermes 900 MALE UAV,” the sources said.