The Royal Australian Air Force’s Heron Remotely Piloted Aircraft mission in Afghanistan has been extended to the end of 2014 following a request from the International Security Assistance Force (ISAF).

The extension supports ISAF’s requirement to maintain information, surveillance and reconnaissance capability during the traditional fighting season.

Operated from Kandahar Airfield in southern Afghanistan, Australia’s three unarmed Heron Remotely Piloted Aircraft provide real-time situational awareness of the battlefield.

The current rotation of personnel which was scheduled to return to Australia in mid-2014 will be extended for up to six weeks to allow an additional rotation of personnel to be prepared and deployed.

Australia’s Heron detachment has played an integral role in supporting the ISAF mission in Afghanistan and ISAF’s request to Australia is testament to the capability’s strong reputation.

The detachment comprises Air Force, Army and Navy personnel and civilian contractors.

(Aus DoD)