The Norwegian Defence Materiel Agency (NDMA) at the end of March this year published a call for suppliers of unmanned aerial vehicles to undergo pre-qualification for participation in a framework agreement for supply of vertical takeoff and landing tactical drones.
The maximum framework agreement amount was set at 1 billion Norwegian kroner, which today equals approximately €86 million. The implementation period is four years with the possibility of extension for one or two years,Shephard Media reports.
Read more: Doubling Force? russia Sends "Large Batch" of Two BMP-3s With Ammunition to Madagascar
They recall that this drone procurement project was first planned for implementation four years ago, in 2022, when UAV requirements were set forth. The procurement was even included in the 2023 defense strategy.
However, for unspecified reasons, this project’s implementation was delayed, but in any case Norway is now returning to these plans.
As the publication notes, the main candidates may be the Camcopter S-100 drone from Schiebel Group, as well as Skeldar V-200 from UMS Skeldar and Saab.
Camcopter S-100 is a multipurpose unmanned aerial vehicle created in the 2000s by Austrian company Schiebel. It’s designed for operation by both civilian and military users (primarily for reconnaissance purposes). It doesn’t require prepared sites or auxiliary equipment for takeoff and landing.
It has flight range up to 200 km, operates in adverse conditions both on land and at sea. It can be controlled by an operator with a remote or move along a pre-programmed route. The fuselage is made of carbon fiber and titanium. It can reach speeds of 185 km/h and stay airborne for over 6 hours. Maximum payload weight is 50 kg. It has two payload bays and another for auxiliary electronics, as well as two side attachment points for additional payload and the ability to suspend cargo.
UMS Skeldar V-200 is designed for reconnaissance, surveillance, light cargo transportation, as well as electronic warfare. It has maximum takeoff weight of 245 kg, can carry 40 kg payload. Maximum speed is 140 km/h, range is 100 km, flight duration is over 6 hours.
Defense Express previously reported that Norway wants a 500km long-range ground missile for $1.9 billion to target Murmansk.
Read more: China Builds New Zubr-Class Landing Craft After Acquiring Four Units From Ukraine in 2000s
