Nordic Unmanned Receives EUR 20 Million Fixed-Wing RPAS Framework Contract for Operation of the Textron Systems’ AerosondeTM SUAS

Related to Nordic Unmanned’s announcements to market on the 29th of July & 22nd of September 2021.

12th of November 2021 – Sandnes, Norway & Hunt Valley, Md. – Nordic Unmanned (Euronext Growth Oslo: NUMND) is pleased to announce that they have received an award from the European Maritime Safety Agency (EMSA) for a framework contract to provide fixed-wing RPAS services carrying out long-range general maritime surveillance in EU & EFTA waters.

The official value of the framework contract is a maximum of EUR 20 million over a period of up to four years. Nordic Unmanned is the contractual partner with EMSA & will utilize Textron Systems’ AerosondeTM SUAS as its unmanned aircraft system platform. Two complete systems, including training, are planned to be made available the latest in six months time. A mandatory initial configuration test has been successfully completed, & the final framework contract has been signed

“We are absolutely delighted with this win with Textron Systems as a critical member of our team. This is our biggest win to date, in what is a new vertical in the European drone industry. The fixed-wing market represent untapped opportunities where we see enormous potential, & these deployments will continue to give Nordic Unmanned crucial operational experience, which will put us at the very front of the fixed-wing market. We are very excited to work closer with the good people over at Textron Systems & their well proven & highly capable Aerosonde platform in the coming years” – said Knut Roar Wiig, CEO of Nordic Unmanned.

With over 550,000+ flight hours across the globe, Textron Systems’ Aerosonde system is a leader in both expeditionary l&- & sea-based operations. The system’s maturity & multi-mission capability make it a rugged & reliable platform. Equipped for day/night full-motion video, communications relay, Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) & more, this system is in a class by itself.

“Our Aerosonde platform has provided support to customers around the world, in all climates & terrains,” said Textron Systems’ Senior Vice President of Air Systems Wayne Prender. “Alongside Nordic Unmanned, we are providing our highly capable & proven Aerosonde maritime system in support of our European customers’ important missions. This collaborative effort will provide enhanced, real-time, situational awareness to several EU Member States in a variety of areas such as safety of navigation, search & rescue, pollution detection, fishery control & law enforcement actions.”

Nordic Unmanned will purchase two Aerosonde systems consisting of two air vehicles per system & plans to establish an operating & maintenance base in Europe. In addition to the EMSA contract, Nordic Unmanned & Textron Systems also intend to pursue other European fixed-wing opportunities. The new operating & maintenance base in Norway will enable Nordic Unmanned to offer full maintenance & support for Norwegian & other European customers. Textron Systems will continue training of Nordic Unmanned pilots, which will aid the company in obtaining full operational capability (FOC).