Singapore bets on Israeli tech for future air power with Hermes 900 drone fleet

The Republic of Singapore Air Force (RSAF) is set to significantly enhance its intelligence and reconnaissance capabilities with the acquisition of Hermes 900 unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) from Israel’s Elbit Systems, as part of the country’s SAF2040 modernization initiative. The new platforms will replace the long-serving Hermes 450 drones, which have been the backbone of Singapore’s UAV fleet for nearly two decades.

According to Singapore’s Ministry of Defence (MINDEF), the decision followed “a rigorous and comprehensive evaluation process,” during which multiple unmanned systems were assessed to determine the most effective solution for the nation’s evolving operational needs. The Hermes 900 was ultimately selected “based on its proven capabilities and extensive operational experience worldwide,” Caliber.Az reports, citing Israeli media.

The Hermes 900 (H900) represents a next-generation medium-altitude, long-endurance (MALE) UAV capable of high-altitude flight and extended mission durations. It can be equipped with a diverse array of payloads tailored for surveillance, intelligence gathering, target acquisition, and electronic warfare operations. The system is already fielded by several countries—including Brazil, Mexico, Switzerland, and Chile—for both military and civilian applications.

For Singapore, the induction of the Hermes 900 marks a significant technological leap, enhancing the nation’s ability to conduct remote command and control, real-time intelligence collection, and precision operational responses.

As part of the integration process, the RSAF will gradually phase out the Hermes 450 fleet while implementing infrastructure upgrades and specialized training programs to ensure a smooth transition. The process will be conducted in stages “to ensure operational continuity and the training of dedicated teams to operate the new systems,” according to military sources.

The SAF2040 initiative represents a long-term strategic effort by Singapore’s Ministry of Defence and the Singapore Armed Forces (SAF) to modernize the country’s defence posture through advanced technologies and innovation. The acquisition of the Hermes 900 stands as another key milestone in this vision, reinforcing Singapore’s position as a technologically advanced and strategically resilient power in Asia.

By Vafa Guliyeva