The United Arab Emirates Armed Forces have ordered a Seeker 400 unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) system for the Presidential Guard. The order was announced by Staff Brigadier-General Mohammed Al Hassani, Official Spokesperson of the IDEX and NAVDEX exhibitions, on the first day of the International Defence Exhibition (IDEX) in Abu Dhabi on 21 February. The UAE bought several batches of Seeker II aircraft in the 1990s and 2000s, Seeker 200s in 2017 and six Seeker 400 armed UAVs in 2018. The UAE is a repeat customer for the Seeker 400, having most recently ordered AED25 821 190 (R105 million) worth of Seeker 400s in March 2020.
The Seeker 400 is an unmanned aerial vehicle surveillance system designed and manufactured by the South African Company Denel Dynamics. The Seeker 400 is an evolution of the battle-proven Seeker II UAS. The UAV has up to 16 hours’ endurance and can carry two sensor payloads (weighing a combined 100 kg) at the same time, or guided weapons. The Seeker 400 System operates at direct line-of-sight (LOS) ranges of up to 250 km from the base station and can be used to provide real-time day/night reconnaissance, target location and designation, artillery fire support, ELINT and Electronic Support Measures (ESM) and Border and Maritime patrol. Range extension up to 700 km with passing control of UAV via the secondary MCU and TCU.
The Seeker 400 is capable of carrying dual imaging electro-optical/infrared payloads with gimbal diameters of up to 530 mm. Sensor combinations can include a colour daylight camera with zoom lens; infrared thermal imager with step fields of view; day colour or monochrome spotter camera; night spotter camera, laser designator and laser range finder. An electronic intelligence (ELINT) payload is available for detection and location of radar emitters. To provide for multi-mission and multi-roles, optional sensors and specific payloads like synthetic aperture radar (SAR), communications intelligence (COMINT), signals intelligence (SIGINT) and satellite communications can be integrated.
The United Arab Emirates Armed Forces confirmed deals with Denel SOC, trading as Denel Dynamics, to provide an unmanned drone system, Seeker 400 UAE, to the Presidential Guard Command. Denel Dynamics had not responded to a request for comment at the time of publication.The first day of the International Defence Exhibition (IDEX) and the Naval Defence Exhibition (NAVDEX) 2021 has seen the United Arab Emirates Armed Forces sign 19 deals, worth AED 5.03 billion, with local and international companies. The deals came on the first day of the two exhibitions, which will run until 25th February.
