EPE New Zealand (EPE), has been awarded a contract by the New Zealand Ministry of Defence, in collaboration with American uncrewed aircraft systems (UAS) manufacturer Skydio, to provide the New Zealand Defence Force (NZDF) with new Reconnaissance and Surveillance (R&S) capabilities.
Under this contract, EPE will provide Skydio’s X2D UAS to provide the New Zealand Army with an advanced micro UAS, which will elevate situational awareness and support deployed command decision-making across all echelons of command.
EPE will deliver Skydio’s UAS and raise, train and sustain the capability with ongoing Through Life Support (TLS) delivered locally in New Zealand.
Skydio X2D capabilities will provide New Zealand Army personnel with a UAS with obstacle avoidance, and a combination of
portability, ruggedness and ease of use that allows any unit to use the UAS as their organic surveillance and reconnaissance asset.
“EPE and Skydio share a common aspiration to contribute to a safer world and equip soldiers with technology that not only provides strategic advantage but also enhances decision-making while safeguarding them from threats," said Andy Cross, General Manager of EPE New Zealand Limited.
"As a team we have the capacity and ability to deliver and support the capability from design through to disposal.”
The UAS are being delivered as part of the Ministry of Defence’s Networked Enabled Army (NEA) Programme, which is tasked with delivering a transformational system to provide the NZDF land forces with deployable networked command, control, communications and computers (C4) and intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance (ISR) capabilities.
“Skydio has been committed to supporting the government sector in New Zealand, Australia and broader Oceania for years with our uncrewed aircraft systems," said Mark Valentine, President and GM, Global Government for Skydio.
“We are excited to continue to partner with EPE New Zealand Limited, to deliver the Skydio X2D to the New Zealand Defence
agencies. Our technology will enhance the NZDF’s ability to conduct critical battlefield missions, enhance surveillance and reconnaissance, and capture accurate mapping data. Most importantly, our drones increase the safety and security of force personnel and readiness assets."