Hermes 900 Debuts for Singapore Air Force at Airshow

The Republic of Singapore Air Force has quietly rolled out a very loud message at this year’s Singapore Airshow. Sitting on static display is the newly acquired Elbit Systems Hermes 900, making its first public appearance just months after Singapore confirmed the purchase in November, as Aviation Week reports.

Only a single aircraft is on display, but it is enough to draw attention. The Hermes 900’s beyond line of sight antennae are clearly visible, a reminder that this is not a short range observer but a system designed to look far, stay long, and report patiently.

No squadron markings are present, which is typical for a platform still settling into service. Still, it is widely expected that the Hermes 900 will be inducted into 116 Squadron, potentially replacing the smaller Hermes 450 that has been flying with the RSAF since 2007.

A Multi Tier Drone Strategy Takes Shape

Singapore’s approach to uncrewed systems has never been about a single silver bullet. Instead, the RSAF has embraced a layered UAS concept that mixes high endurance platforms with smaller and more flexible systems.

At the top of that stack sit medium altitude long endurance aircraft like the Heron 1 and now the Hermes 900. These drones are built for persistence, wide area surveillance, and operations well beyond the horizon, around 621 miles if we want to be precise.

Below them are lower flying systems such as the Orbiter 4, along with commercially sourced drones that can be rapidly deployed in dense urban environments.

This mix allows the RSAF to tailor its airborne eyes to the mission, whether that is border security, maritime surveillance, urban operations, or future roles that may include precision targeting and anti armor support. The Hermes 900 fits neatly into this architecture as a long legged sensor platform that can loiter while others sprint.

Inside the Hermes 900

The Hermes 900 is one of Elbit Systems’ flagship UAVs, built on the mature foundations of the Hermes family and already in service with the Israeli Defense Forces and multiple international operators.

With a maximum takeoff weight of 2,600 lbs and a payload capacity of up to 771 lbs, it offers serious flexibility. Endurance reaches up to 36 hours, with a service ceiling of 30,000 feet, giving operators the ability to stay on station long after most aircraft have gone home.

Its modular installation bay supports up to 551 lbs and multiple hard points, allowing rapid reconfiguration between missions. Communications are handled through satellite links and line of sight data links, enabling true over the horizon operations. The aircraft is also designed to fly in adverse weather and to require minimal maintenance, two traits that matter greatly when missions stretch across days, not minutes.

Payload options are where the Hermes 900 really flexes. These include long range EO IR sensors with laser designators, SAR and GMTI radar with maritime patrol and AIS support, advanced electronic warfare suites for ELINT, COMINT and jamming, wide area surveillance and mapping tools, hyperspectral sensors, and even communications relay payloads.

On the ground, the Hermes Universal Ground Control Station ties the system together. The UGCS is common across all Hermes platforms and can be fixed or mobile, full size or downsized.

It supports single operator missions, in flight mission editing, payload control, debriefing, and simulation. STANAG 4586 interoperability is available as an option, opening the door to coalition operations.

DroneXL’s Take

Singapore is not chasing headlines with the Hermes 900, and that might be the most telling part of this debut. This is a deliberate, methodical upgrade that strengthens endurance, sensor reach, and flexibility across the RSAF’s drone fleet.

The Hermes 900 does not replace everything below it, but it makes everything below it smarter. At the Singapore Airshow, the aircraft may be static, but the signal it sends is very much in motion.

Photo credit: ELBIT