Israel Offers Advanced Reconnaissance-Attack UAVs to Vietnam

Israeli Website Reports IAI Offers Advanced Heron UAV to Vietnam

According to an Israeli news outlet, the leading candidate being offered by Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI) to Vietnam is the Heron—Israel’s most advanced reconnaissance UAV currently in service. The Heron is operated by numerous armed forces around the world, including Germany, Singapore, South Korea, and India.

Vietnam is already operating Israeli-made Orbiter UAVs, which are components of the EXTRA and AccuLAR guided rocket systems. These drones are used for target designation and fire correction.

Reports of Vietnam’s interest in the Heron UAV date back to 2013, when the aviation magazine “Cất cánh” (“Take Off”) revealed that the Heron had made it to Vietnam’s shortlist of candidates for potential future procurement.

The Heron surveillance UAV is currently used by both the Israeli Air Force and Navy. The Heron 1 variant is equipped with an Elta search radar and an electro-optical sensor system mounted under its nose.

The Heron 1 can operate at altitudes up to 10 km, has a maximum speed of 207 km/h, and can stay airborne for up to 52 hours. It is operated by two ground-based technicians.

IAI also provides a compatible satellite communication system, allowing the UAV to transmit data from its onboard sensors even at relatively low altitudes.

Additionally, the Heron can serve as a secondary mobile communications relay station.

Beyond the Heron 1, IAI has recently introduced the upgraded Heron TP variant, which is capable of carrying weapons—similar in functionality to the American MQ-1 Predator. It is designed for reconnaissance, combat, and combat support missions.

The Heron TP can carry a payload of over 1,000 kg and can be equipped with air-to-ground missiles capable of detecting, tracking, and destroying targets deep within enemy territory.

India was the first customer to acquire the Heron TP UAV. In 2015, the South Asian country signed a $400 million deal to procure 10 of these reconnaissance-combat drones.

Although IAI has yet to officially announce the specific UAV model being offered to Vietnam, the high contract value strongly suggests that it is likely the Heron TP.