Shadow 200 tactical UAS has been launched in the air by US Army in Camp Taji, Iraq. from Credit: Sergeant Jason Dangel.

The Australian Army has advanced to the tendering process for the replacement of its Shadow 200 RQ-7 tactical unmanned aerial system (UAS) under LAND 129 Phase 3 project.

Four domestic firms, namely Insitu Pacific, Leidos Australia, Raytheon Australia and Textron Systems Australia, have been chosen through an invitation to register process.

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Through the request for tender process, the Australian Army will now explore plans and conceptual integration designs submitted by these firms.

Following a comprehensive evaluation of the tendered solutions, the project will advance for government consideration in 2021.

Australian Army UAS Projects deputy director Andrew McKinnon said: “These companies are encouraged to continue their engagement with the LAND 129 Phase 3 down-selected tenderers in order to deliver a world class capability

“UAS are a key component of Army’s surveillance and reconnaissance capability, with some smaller Unmanned Systems recently being used on operation bushfire assist.”

Several domestic small businesses registered for the Australian Army’s tactical UAS replacement project.