The Rafael Protector will work with UAS

The Protector is an integrated naval combat system, based on unmanned, autonomous, remotely controlled surface vehicles. Highly maneuverable and stealthy, the Protector can conduct a wide spectrum of critical missions, without exposing personnel and capital assets to unnecessary risk.

The Protector’s anti-terror mission module payload includes sensors and weapon systems. The search radar and the Toplite electro-optical (EO) pod enable detection, identification and targeting operations. The weapon systems are based on Rafael’s Typhoon remote-controlled, stabilized weapon station, capable of operating various small caliber guns. The highly accurate, stabilized weapon station has excellent hit-and-kill probabili

Poland cancels Aerostar UAV purchase

Poland's defence ministry has cancelled a contract to purchase Aerostar unmanned air systems from Israeli company Aeronautics, and will also ask for compensation.

Signed in 2010 and covering two systems, the $35 million purchase was made in order to deploy the UAS in Afghanistan, where Polish army units are part of the NATO-led International Security Assistance Force.

Warsaw's deal included the development of an automatic take-off and landing (ATOL) capability, with this to have enabled the unmanned aircraft to approach and land safely in windy conditions and other ground effects encountered in the operational area.

Aeronautics encountered problems with the ATOL capability, which led to it failing to meet the delivery schedule agreed in the contract. The company, which has yet to comment on the Polish decision, has also faced other problems during recent months, with sources saying that a disagreement between its shareholders has delayed some projects.

Originally due to have entered use with the Polish military in Afghanistan in late 2010, the Aerostar is 4.5m (14.8ft) long, has a wingspan of 7.5m and a maximum take-off weight of 210kg (463lb). It has a 12h endurance and a loitering speed of 60kt (111km/h).

India outlines mini UAS requirements

Further details have emerged of the capabilities to be sought through an Indian competition for mini unmanned air systems.

The Indian defence ministry has announced that a total of 95 mini UAS will be purchased in the near future. The equipment will improve the aerial surveillance capabilities of the Indian air force and navy, which should receive 60 and 35 systems, respectively.

According to a request for proposals issued by New Delhi, candidate air vehicles should weigh no more than 2.5kg (5.5lb), and an entire system - comprising two UAS and a ground control station - should total less than 15kg.

Sources suggest that over the coming years, the Indian defence ministry plans to procure more than 500 additional systems.

The bidding process for the initial requirement is expected to begin in early 2013, with Israeli manufacturers Aeronautics, Innocon and Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI) all likely to make offers in combination with Indian partners. Sources believe competition will come from other companies, including the USA's AeroVironment.