EPE New Zealand has received a contract to provide the New Zealand Defence Force with enhanced reconnaissance and surveillance capabilities.
Under the agreement with the New Zealand Ministry of Defence, EPE will collaborate with U.S.-based Skydio to deliver the X2D unmanned aircraft system to the New Zealand Army.
The advanced micro UAS will improve the service’s situational awareness and support its command decision-making process, the company said.
With Skydio X2D, soldiers can deploy a rugged and portable UAS capable of avoiding obstacles when conducting surveillance missions.
The deal involves building, training and sustaining the Army’s UAS capabilities throughout the system’s life cycle.
EPE New Zealand New Zealand General Manager Andy Cross said the partnership with Skydio would equip the armed forces with advanced technology that provides strategic advantage and enhanced decision-making.
Mark Valentine, president and general manager of global government at Skydio, added that the UAS capabilities will enable NZDF to conduct critical battlefield missions, enhance surveillance and reconnaissance operations, and capture accurate mapping data. The drones will increase the safety and security of military personnel and readiness assets, he added.
EPE will supply the Skydio UAS under the NZ MoD’s Networked Enabled Army program, which seeks to provide NZDF land forces with deployable networked C4ISR capabilities.
