Singapore to Replace Aging Israel-Made Hermes Drone Fleet With New Variants
The Republic of Singapore Air Force will adopt Israel’s homegrown Hermes 900 drones to replace its older Hermes 450 fleet, which has flown for nearly two decades.
The acquisition follows what officials described as detailed assessments to determine the system that best meets operational requirements on autonomous missions.
“Through robust and thorough evaluations, the [Hermes 900] was assessed to best meet the [Singapore Armed Forces’] operational needs,” the Singaporean Ministry of Defence said.
Already used by more than 20 militaries worldwide, including the EU as well as Asian countries India and the Philippines, the Hermes 900 is expected to enhance Singapore’s ability to conduct long-range monitoring, border security, and disaster response missions.
While the government did not publicize the delivery schedule for the drones, the rollout will occur in phases to ensure operational continuity and crew training.
Expanding Airborne Assets
The Hermes upgrade is part of the Singapore Armed Forces’ plan to boost automation, resilience, and situational awareness through advanced technologies by 2040.
It is also the Singaporean Air Force’s second major airborne platform acquisition in two months, following September’s announcement that it would buy four Boeing P-8A Poseidon maritime patrol aircraft, expected to enter service in the early 2030s.
The same month, Hermes 900 developer Elbit Systems reported a $120-million contract to supply drones to an undisclosed international customer for long-range coastal surveillance, now believed to be Singapore.
Israel’s Hermes 900
Designated the Kochav in the Israel Defense Forces, the Hermes 900 UAS is controlled by a two-man ground crew.
It has a length of 8 meters (26 feet), wingspan of 15 meters (49 feet), payload capacity of 350 kilograms (772 pounds), and a maximum takeoff weight of 1,180 kilograms (2,601 pounds).
The drone is powered by a 210-horsepower Rotax 916 engine for a service ceiling of 9,100 meters (29,856 feet), speeds up to 120 knots (37 kilometers/23 miles per hour), and a range of 9,000 kilometers (5,592 miles).
It has a flight time of 36 hours and can be equipped with armaments, including Spike fire-and-forget anti-tank/anti-personnel guided missiles, also manufactured by Israel.
