Department of Defence looking for search and rescue drones that can be adapted to 'strike' targets

A tender-related process initiated by the Department of Defence is calling for submissions from manufacturers of unmanned aircraft system platforms. File picture: AP/Efrem Lukatsky

The Department of Defence is looking for drones for search and rescue that can be adapted to “strike” targets.

This strike capability could include an ability to fire air-to-surface laser-guided micro missiles that are being developed for the size of drone being considered.

A tender-related process initiated by the Department of Defence is calling for submissions from manufacturers of unmanned aircraft system (UAS) platforms.

While it states that “currently”, the ability of any of the drones to strike at targets is not “contemplated”, the department is interested in the ability to “seamlessly” adapt them for such uses.

The ones being looked at are those that “are in widespread usage amongst contemporary militaries for a variety of taskings”.

The notification, which was published on Tuesday, states: “No strike capability is currently contemplated.

“But the ability of either the platform and/or the ground control component to seamlessly deliver a strike capability might be stated in the responses.”

Later in the annex to the notification, it asks potentially interested parties: “Can the platform be seamlessly configured to host a strike capability? If so, elaborate.”

Quite what sort of “strike” the department has in mind is not specified, but could include so-called “micro-missiles” designed to be deployed by drones like the Tarsis 75.

Weighing just 3kg, these small missiles have a range of up to 4km and would be effective against light-armoured vehicles.

The notification on the EU Tenders website says it is not a procurement (notification) nor an invitation to submit bids.

Instead, it states the Department of Defence is “undertaking a preliminary market engagement exercise to outline a planned procurement of UAS”, and to “to alert the market of the requirement”.

It also states the scope of its enquiry is to establish the extent of market offerings available further to “broad parameters” listed in an annex to its notice.

It says these parameters “relate to a potential successor platform to the current platform in use with the Defence Forces predominantly used for ISTAR purposes”.

This is a reference to CLASS-1 military drones used for gathering Intelligence in Surveillance, Reconnaissance, and Target Acquisition missions (ISTAR).

While the department is looking for fixed-wing UAS platforms, Vertical Take-Off and Landing systems “will also be considered”.

It adds: “If fixed wing, the platform should be catapult launched, preferably propelled by electric motor and carry a dual Electro-Optical and IR ISTAR payload.”

This is a reference to an all-weather, high-resolution thermal-imaging, long range air surveillance system.

The notification also states: “It is additionally envisaged the platform would align with Nato class 1–small designation.”

This is a reference to one of three sizes in this class, and it means the sort of drone they want will weigh between 15kg and 150kg and have a normal mission radius of 50km.

Both the Department of Defence and the Defence Forces were asked for a comment.