The Swedish Defence Materiel Administration has procured RPAS (drones) for the Home Guard on behalf of the Swedish Armed Forces. RPAS stands for Remotely Piloted Aircraft System, meaning remotely controlled aircraft, writes FMV and the Swedish Armed Forces.

– The procurement and delivery of UAV 06 represents a significant step for the Home Guard's ability to solve tasks such as surveillance and protection. The system is easy to use and provides real-time intelligence, says Peter Wilhelmsson, system manager for the Home Guard at FMV's Army Materiel division in FMV's press release.

The system now delivered to the Home Guard is designated UAV 06 A and is part of the UAV 06 Skatan system.

RPAS is being introduced in the Home Guard to initially develop methods and tactics for utilizing drone systems. UAV 06 A is of the type Parrot ANAFI USA GOV and includes a quadcopter model aircraft, meaning an aircraft powered by four rotors, as well as a handheld controller with a screen for drone operation. The system also includes batteries and a battery charger, writes FMV.

– It has been a challenge to find a system that meets the needs of the Home Guard, is easy to handle, and simultaneously addresses requirements for both security protection and supply security. Therefore, it is particularly gratifying to be able to deliver this system, says Peter Wilhelmsson.

According to FMV, the aircraft is equipped with an optical camera with 1-32x zoom and an IR camera with a resolution of 320x256 pixels. The aircraft can be programmed to fly a predetermined route without the operator needing to control it with the handheld controller. The aircraft and controller use GPS signals for navigation but can be used without GPS signals. The operating time is approximately 30 minutes with a fully charged battery.

– That the Home Guard is now the first to widely use remotely controlled aircraft is very timely. These systems enhance the units' ability to perform their tasks in both daylight and darkness, says Lieutenant Colonel Jan-Åke Andersson, head of the National Home Guard Staff's support department, in the Swedish Armed Forces' press release.