PETER LA FRANCHI / LONDON
Northrop Grumman is forecasting worldwide sales of 245 to 281 RQ-4 Global Hawk unmanned air vehicles (UAV) by 2015.
The company identifies potential sales of up to 20 UAVs each to Australia and Germany. Canada is seen as requiring up to 10 aircraft, while Japan would take up to 30, the manufacturer believes. NATO requirements are placed at 50 air vehicles.
US armed forces are expected to order between 115 and 151 Global Hawks. The USAir Force requirement remains at 51, but the US Navy could order 50-75 while US Coast Guard demand is estimated at 14-25.
Northrop Grumman expects an initial Australian order for two UAVs, followed by orders for three each in 2005 and 2006, four in 2007 and five each in 2008 and 2009. But these projections do not match Australia's stated plans to acquire two UAVs in the existing 10-year defence plan, which allocates A$130 million ($70 million) funding. A 20-aircraft deal would require an additional A$1.2-1.5 billion funding.
Germany is expected to order one aircraft in 2004, three in 2007 and four in 2009, with the remaining 12 being ordered in 2010-15. Japan's initial order of four UAVs is expected in 2008, with four a year thereafter. The manufacturer does not expect any NATO orders until after 2010.
Source: Flight International
