Airflite will provide support staff and maintenance and engineering services for the rotary V-200 UAV and its variants. UMS SKELDAR said the agreement provides another building block for Australia to become the regional base for Pacific Rim support operations as the global UAV company develops its operational footprint with military and civilian customers across the region.

CEO of UMS SKELDAR, Axel Cavalli-Bjorkman said, "This is a significant milestone in the development of our global operational support network. Our twin focus of land and sea rotary capabilities, together with state-of-the-art engineering and avionics, demands the very best technical support. We are confident that Airflite, with their impressive customer portfolio, will play an important part in our expansion of services and capabilities in Australia, New Zealand, and the wider region."

Airflite’s operations include facilities at four airports and two air force bases covering Western Australia, NSW and Victoria, providing access to MRO services across the continent for land and sea-based customers.

Homer Constantinides, managing director of Airflite, added, "We are pleased to make this joint announcement. This agreement not only confirms our position as the number one choice for MRO in Australasia but signals the commitment to Australia by such a prestigious UAV innovator. We look forward to a fruitful partnership."

UMS SKELDAR has already signaled its interest in Australian contracts including services for the Royal Australian Navy next stage UAV tender. The line-up of partners in Australia includes: Perth-based Orbital Corporation (providing heavy fuel licensed technology for the engines specially developed by Hirth Engines), Sentient Vision Systems of Melbourne in addition to Saab Australia.

Stephen Kuper

Steve has an extensive career across government, defence industry and advocacy, having previously worked for cabinet ministers at both Federal and State levels.