Indonesia successfully tests ScanEagle 2 UAV operation from frigate

 

ScanEagle 2 UAV being set-up on frigate KRI Abdul  Halim Perdanakusuma (355). Photo c/o TNI-AL Koarmada II.

The Indonesian Navy (TNI-AL) has successfully integrated and launched the ScanEagle 2 surveillance unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) from one of its Ahmad Yani-class frigate.

The TNI-AL confirmed that the frigate KRI Abdul Halim Perdanakusama (355) received the ScanEagle UAV’s catapult and recovery system that allowed its operation, and has successfully carried out Sea Acceptance Tests (SAT) conducted at the Madura Strait.

The ScanEagle SAT procedures included pre-flight briefing, GSE set-up, pre-flight system check, drone launch, flight operation and recovery.

The ScanEagle UAV was able to fly as far as 50 nautical miles from the ship, with an altitude of 6,000 feet for 5 hours, with tests conducted in both day and night conditions.

The TNI-AL received several ScanEagle 2 UAVs from the United States Government as part of its Indo-Pacific Maritime Security Initiative (MSI) Program which aims to improve the maritime capabilities of partner nations.

The TNI-AL said that the ScanEagle UAV can be used to improve their maritime intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance (ISR), and is an important move to modernize the naval forces.

The success of integrating the ScanEagle 2 UAV into the KRI Abdul Halim Perdanakusama could be used as a catalyst for more TNI-AL ships to be equipped with similar capabilities.

[1] Indonesian Navy 2nd Fleet Command