Israel-based Elbit Systems has signed a new agreement. With the agreement signed with EMSA (European Maritime Safety Agency), Elbit will provide unmanned aerial vehicle patrol service to the agency. The European Union member countries will benefit from the service, with co-operation of Portugal based CEiiA company. The agreement, which has a two- one year option, will be valid for two years. The agreement will cost 59 million US dollars with all options.

Under the agreement, Elbit will lease and operate the Hermes 900 Maritime Patrol system. Thanks to its maritime radar, Hermes 900 can patrol on the open sea. The platform is able to operate in long range with its electrooptic payload, satellite communication system (SatCom) and automatic identification system. With these systems, EMSA will monitor suspicious activities at sea and coastal waters.