Defence Minister Robert Hill said the government would spend 100-million to 150-million Australian dollars (70 million to 105 million US) acquiring a fleet of tactical unmanned surveillance aircraft able to back up land operations.

The new aircraft would be equipped with a sensor system capable of taking video and still images.

"While the aircraft will operate autonomously, it will be remotely commanded and monitored from a ground station where the crew will process the imagery," Hill said in a statement.

He said a trial conducted in the Solomon Islands last year of the small unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) made by Aerosonde, a local subsidiary of a US-based firm, had proved the importance of such capabilities for the Australian Defence Force of the future.

The tactical UAV system would be complemented by a larger high-altitude strategic UAV such as the Global Hawk, he said.

The unmanned aircraft will be operated by the army with a new surveillance and target acquisition regiment to be formed and located in Brisbane.

Hill said the project had attracted worldwide interest and suitable systems were currently in service in many countries, including the United States, Israel, Canada and South Africa.

Tactical UAVs are available in both fixed and rotary wing configurations with aircraft wingspans up to 10 metres and payload capacities of up to 150 kilograms (330 pounds).

The request for tender will be issued at the end of July with bids due by November. Selection of the winner is expected by May 2005.

WAR.WIRE