AMMAN, Jordan, Dec. 2 (UPI) -- Jordan's armed forces have signed a deal with Italy's Selex Galileo to manufacture UAV technologies and electro-optic sensors for the kingdom's special operations forces.
Under the contract, SELEX Galileo will work in collaboration with the King Abdullah Design and Development Bureau to develop advanced capabilities. The company's tactical unmanned aerial system Falco will be used as the basis for creating local UAV technologies.
Falco is a long-endurance, multiple-payload-capable UAV designed for aerial reconnaissance and information gathering. It has an autonomous navigation and control system capable of short take-offs from semi-prepared airstrips.
Experts say among its most prominent features are its fully tolerant control systems and near-real-time target image processing.
It was not immediately clear whether the UAVs to be produced would be fitted with weapons systems to carry out offensive operations.
The Italian company has said that KADDB's facilities in Amman will be used for the joint operation, adding that research, design and development work will kick off with the start of the new year.
An unnamed Selex Galileo official speaking at last week's Dubai Air Show said, "The cooperation pact would cover unmanned vehicles ranging from the medium-endurance Falco tactical machine down to small and mini UAV types," according to a report published by Defense News.
The official suggested that Selex, part of Finmeccanica, Italy's leading defense and aerospace contractor, would be scheduling a string of demonstrations of the Falco in the upcoming months in a bid to lure potential customers in the Middle East region, including countries in the Gulf Cooperation Council.
Analysts say the memorandum of understanding signed by both sides leveraged on the market success and technology excellence that Selex Galileo has gained with its Falco.
Having already gained experience and guidance from the United States on the effective use of drones, Pakistan is purported to have secured an order of the Falco, with deliveries currently under way.
The Italian drone manufacturer is also awaiting a decision from the Italian army on purchase of a variant of the Falco for its upgraded surveillance requirement.
"A specific goal of the agreement is to promote the growth of the Jordan industry in the defense technology and to support the future aspirations of the Jordan Armed Forces, by jointly developing edge situational awareness capabilities," said a company statement.
Reports have speculated on a potential deal between Libya and Selex Galileo for delivery of Falcos. The same reports said a recent demonstration in North Africa in which the Falco tester flew for 14 hours with a payload of more than 90 pounds during a night flight.
