The Philippine Army showcased to the public its UAS at a static display at Camp Aguinaldo as part of the anniversary of the Armed Forces of the Philippines on Thursday.
This finally confirmed reports that the military used unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) during the Zamboanga crisis last September.
The UAS provides real time imagery intelligence and video feed from a particular area with a range of three to seven kilometers and can extend up to 50 kilometers, Army spokesman Captain Anthony Bacus said.
“It complements the existing Human Intelligence/ Signals Intelligence capability of the Army which is used in surveillance operations and also in humanitarian assistance and disaster response,” he added.
He also said the UAS had been “instrumental” in their operations against the Moro National Liberation Front in Zamboanga City last September.
The Army started its research and development of UAS in 2012 which cost P2.5 million. The first aircraft (Raptor), is worth P150,000. The second aircraft (Knight Falcon) is worth P300,000.
A third UAS is in the works, which will be a more enhanced version of the two existing models. It will cost P1.5 million.
Source: Inquirer News