Israel’s Elbit Systems Ltd. announced it has been awarded a contract worth approximately $120 million to supply its Hermes 900 unmanned aerial system (UAS) to an international customer for long-range maritime surveillance operations.
The company described the deal as part of growing global demand for advanced unmanned capabilities as nations seek to strengthen their intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance networks over vast maritime areas.
According to Elbit Systems, the Hermes 900 is its largest unmanned aerial vehicle and one of the most widely exported in its class. The multi-role Medium Altitude Long Endurance (MALE) system is designed for a broad range of missions, including area dominance and persistent intelligence, surveillance, target acquisition, and reconnaissance (ISTAR) across both land and sea domains.
Since its introduction in 2011, the Hermes 900 has been acquired by more than 20 customers worldwide, making it one of the most successful MALE UAS platforms on the market. The system is currently in service with several countries, including Israel, Azerbaijan, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, India, Mexico, the Philippines, Switzerland, and Thailand.
The Hermes 900’s long endurance and advanced payload options allow it to remain on station for extended periods, providing continuous situational awareness and real-time intelligence across wide ocean areas.
In a statement, Yoram Shmuely, General Manager of Elbit Systems Aerospace, said the award demonstrates continued confidence in the company’s technology and operational track record.
“We are proud to be selected once again to provide our Hermes 900 system to a valued international customer,” Shmuely said. “This contract reflects the trust our customers place in our solutions and our commitment to delivering operational superiority. Elbit Systems is a global leader in unmanned aerial systems, and the continued demand for the Hermes 900 underscores our technological edge and operational experience in supporting complex missions across diverse environments.”