The Republic of Singapore Air Force (RSAF) announced that it will begin replacing its fleet of Hermes 450 drones with the more advanced Hermes 900 as part of the SAF2040 modernization program.
The new unmanned system was selected following operational assessments that highlighted greater endurance, payload capacity, and integration of advanced sensors. The Hermes 450, in service since the mid-2000s, has been performing reconnaissance and surveillance missions but is becoming obsolete after nearly two decades of service.
Manufactured by the Israeli company Elbit Systems, the Hermes 900 offers up to 36 hours of flight and can carry multiple payloads simultaneously, including optical sensors, radars, and communication systems. The aircraft’s open architecture allows adaptations according to mission type, making it versatile for both military and civilian operations. The model is already used by more than 20 countries and represents a significant technological leap over the previous generation.
The introduction of the Hermes 900 reflects Singapore’s strategy to strengthen its aerial capabilities with autonomous, long-range systems, reducing dependence on large teams and increasing the efficiency of intelligence and surveillance missions.
The replacement will be carried out gradually, with the Hermes 450 remaining in operation during the transition period until the new model is fully integrated into RSAF operations.
Source: Defence Blog | Photo: Facebook – The Republic of Singapore Air Force | This content was created with the help of AI and reviewed by the editorial team
