Page 23 - Signal Summer 2018

| DRONES |

Eagle Eye: The Naval Service & Drone

Technology

n Summer/early autumn last year, while the LE Eithne
Iwas deployed to Operation Sophia in the Mediterranean, The Naval Service is set to continue
she was undertaking a patrol mission not far from the
Libyan coast, when a vessel began to approach the ship and expand its use of drone
at high speed. technology on maritime missions
“We were about 40 miles out from the coast, and in following the success of a pilot trial in
these situations and in that region, you can’t take any the Mediterranean last year. SIGNAL
chances. We stood to and armed our weapons systems speaks to Lieutenant Commander
and began to warn the approaching craft over VHF radio,” (Lt Cdr) Phil Watson about what’s
explains Lt Cdr Philip Watson, who served as Electrical involved and what the benefits are.
Officer, in addition to other roles, on the mission.
“However, while we were preparing to take all neces-
sary precautions to defend our vessel, we were able to fly
a drone out monitor the vessel, which we could then see
was running out of fuel. That’s the reason he was rushing
toward us, in case we missed him and then he’d be adrift
in the Mediterranean. That’s just one example of using
drone technology to be able to assess possible threats
and acquire the necessary information,” he adds.
The Irish Naval Service was the first participating mem-
ber state of Operation Sophia to utilise drone technology
while on maritime patrols in the Mediterranean. The idea
was a brainchild of several naval officers who realised the The Phantom 4 Pro Drone
potential that the technology offered in terms of mitigat-

The LE Eithne after conducting as rescue
mission as part of Operation Sophia.

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