The South Korean Navy and Marine Corps have contracted Hanwha Systems to procure the S-300 for Intelligence, Surveillance, Target Acquisition, and Reconnaissance (ISTAR) missions. This acquisition reflects the evolving geopolitical landscape and the persistent threat posed by North Korea, necessitating an enhancement of their unmanned aerial systems (UAS) capabilities.
Having been a long-standing Schiebel customer, the South Korean Navy has utilized the CAMCOPTER® S-100 UAS for maritime ISR operations for over a decade. The decision to expand their UAS fleet signifies the need for larger and more capable platforms to effectively address emerging challenges.
Hans Georg Schiebel, Chairman of the Schiebel Group, expressed enthusiasm for the contract award, highlighting the significance of the S-300 in advancing the company’s portfolio. The S-300, compliant with STANAG standards and fully certifiable, boasts an endurance of up to 24 hours and operates at altitudes of up to 21,000 feet, providing persistent loiter capability for ISTAR missions.
With a payload capacity of up to 250 kg, the S-300 is well-suited for cargo delivery in challenging terrains, including high-altitude environments. Its versatility extends to specialized operations such as Anti-Submarine Warfare (ASW), where it can deploy sonar-buoys with precision.
The S-300 seamlessly integrates into existing command and control infrastructure, leveraging the same Ground Control Station utilized by the CAMCOPTER® S-100 for enhanced mission flexibility and cost-effectiveness. Schiebel’s integrated approach ensures interoperability across its unmanned fleet, drawing from over two decades of experience in developing VTOL core systems.
Schiebel’s recent expansion of its Abu Dhabi facility underscores its commitment to meeting global demand for UAS solutions, with the CAMCOPTER® S-300 poised to address diverse national sovereignty and offset requirements, thanks to its open architecture design.
