13.1.2020

Swift Gets $17M Bahamas UAS Contract

Swift Gets $17M Bahamas UAS Contract – link

Source: UAS Vision

Swift Tactical Systems, a subsidiary ofSwift Engineering, won a $17 Million contract to provide the Bahamas government agencies and ministries with a comprehensive UAS program
The multi-agency drone program includes the purchase of 55 short and medium-range drones, immediate surveillance capabilities, training and support, and the establishment of a regional drone academy
The contract was awarded to Swift Tactical Systems more than one year after the government released a worldwide request for drone and services proposals
Swift’s comprehensive plan beat 25 other companies that were part of the multi-agency selection process. All law enforcement agencies, immigration and customs, corrections facilities, and the military will have access to the drones for various activities
Swift is familiar with the Bahamian landscape. Following the Category 5 hurricane that caused extensive damage to parts of the Grand Bahama and Abaco Islands, members of the Swift Tactical Systems team mobilized to support the government’s post-hurricane relief efforts. The team utilized its unmanned aerial vehicles to conduct numerous day and night missions to assess the overall situation on the ground and provide real-time data to enhance decision making for areas that were difficult to access

Central America and the Caribbean is a market to be followed
On the operational side there is much potential for UAS
There are numerous mission challenges, especially in maritime security
The problem is funding as most countries in the region do not obtain the relevant budgets for large scale programs
Thus, the region is an opportunity for smaller companies as bigger ones tend to keep away at this stage