The Norwegian long-term defence plan outlines the acquisition of long-range drones equipped with sensors and systems for persistent surveillance in key maritime areas in the north. These drones are intended to enhance the armed forces’ situational awareness, with deployment scheduled between 2029 and 2032, according to Defense News.
“At this stage, Forsvarsmateriell (NDMA) is working closely with the Norwegian Air Force to support a concept selection study – because we are still defining requirements and evaluating operational needs, no flight tests have been scheduled and no final decision point has been set,” Brigadier General Jarle Nergård, director of NDMA Air Systems Division said.
On 25 June, Jane Bishop, Vice President of Global Surveillance at Northrop Grumman, published a post on the company’s website comparing the two drones and highlighting what she described as several shortcomings in the SeaGuardian. A spokesperson for General Atomics declined to comment on Bishop’s claims.
A key factor for Norway will be the new drones’ ability to cooperate closely with the P-8 maritime patrol aircraft, the newspaper reports. As long-range drones represent a new and complex capability for the Norwegian Armed Forces, the procurement will take place in close collaboration with key allies.
According to the long-term plan, Norway envisions acquiring a small number of drone airframes. These drones must also be capable of supporting other tasks, such as natural disaster response and rescue missions.
Source: Defense News.
