Singaporean Air Force’s Heron 1 UAV Combat Ready

The Republic of Singapore Air Forces’ (RSAF) Heron 1 Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) has achieved Full Operational Capability (FOC) status and will replace Searcher-class UAV. 

"The FOC of Heron 1 brings the RSAF's unmanned aerial capabilities to the level of advanced militaries globally…The Heron 1 is among the most advanced UAV systems in its class, able to perform several missions simultaneously as with a suite of state-of-the-art sensors and enhanced range… Apart from these conventional operations, it can also be deployed against terrorist threats, because its persistence enables it to cover a wide area of surveillance,” Minister for Defence Dr Ng Eng Hen said Wednesday.

Featuring state-of-the-art avionics, detection capabilities and communications systems, as well as fully automatic take-off and landing capabilities and longer flight endurance, the Heron 1 UAV provides the SAF with better battlefield situational awareness and enhanced mission effectiveness.

Equipped with a multi-mission sensor, it is able to respond to a wide range of missions, including non-conventional threats. It replaces the Searcher-class UAV that has been in service since 1994. The UAV is operated by a team of UAV Pilots, Air Imagery Intelligence Experts and Air Force Engineers, who have undergone intensive training to operate and maintain the UAV as well as integrate it to support the SAF's operations.