The Orbiter 4 Close-Range Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (CR-UAV) has been acquired by the Republic of Singapore Air Force (RSAF), said the Ministry of Defence (Mindef).
With its smaller size, capable sensor and increased portability, the CR-UAV will provide the Singapore Armed Forces (SAF) and security forces with improved ground situational awareness.
Defence Minister Ng Eng Hen announced the acquisition during his ministry’s Committee of Supply debate on Wednesday.
According to Mindef, it can be employed independently or collaboratively with the existing fleet of larger UAVs for scanning of the battlefield from different altitudes, providing both a bird’s eye view of the battlefield from a higher altitude and conducting in-depth surveillance of specific areas from a lower altitude.
Manufactured by Israel-based drone specialist Aeronautics Group, the CR-UAV can operate within a wide range of operating environments, including urbanised and confined areas, to support security operations such as counter-terrorism and peacetime contingencies.
It also enhances operational flexibility with its lower logistical footprint, runway independence, and ability to be deployed and set up in a shorter span of time.