Aircraft
Reapers Displacing French And Maybe German Herons
The French Harfang UAS is based on the Israeli Heron UAV, but with communications and support provided by EADS Cassidian. (Photo: EADS Cassidian)
The French Harfang UAS is based on the Israeli Heron UAV, but with communications and support provided by EADS Cassidian. (Photo: EADS Cassidian)

Even as French aircrews began training in the U.S. on the Reaper UAS, EADS Cassidian announced that it had received a one-year extension to its support contract for the Harfang UAS that the French air force intends to replace with the American drone. Cassidian also noted that the similar Heron UAS operated by the German air force and supported by the company has logged 15,000 hours over Afghanistan. The Germans are also considering a Reaper buy as a replacement for the Israeli-origin UAVs.