Defence Issues Minister Paul Papalia has congratulated Western Australian company Orbital UAV on its success in becoming a world-class propulsion systems developer.
The propulsion systems, being made and developed in Balcatta, are applied to tactical Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) and are being exported to the United States.
These efficient systems are being sold to leading UAS companies including Insitu Inc., which is a wholly owned subsidiary of The Boeing Company.
Orbital UAV last year signed an expanded, long-term agreement with Insitu Inc., with a potential value of $350 million, over five years, and covers the delivery of five different engines.
As noted by Defence Issues Minister Paul Papalia:
"Through the WA Defence and Defence Industries Strategic Plan, I am committed to promoting our State's capabilities and harnessing WA's competitive edge to maximise domestic and international defence business opportunities.
"Orbital UAV is already making great strides in the UAS sector, taking their world-class products to a global customer base, while continuing to build their capabilities in Western Australia.
"I look forward to watching their progress and I have no doubt they can help us deliver on the objectives set out within the Strategic Plan."
