ExpoDefensa 2023: Brazil presents local-made Harpia UAV.

The editorial team of Army Recognition, currently present as an official partner at the expo, has discovered the new Harpia drone, a major innovation in the Brazilian defense program. Developed by Advanced Technologies Security & Defense, the Harpia drone is currently being tested by the Brazilian army for use with its missile and rocket artillery units, specifically the 6th and 16th groups based at Fort Santa Bárbara in Formosa, armed with the Astros missile and rocket artillery system from Avibras Aeroespacial y Defensa.
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Brazilian Harpia UAV (Picture source: Army Recognition)

This drone was showcased to members of the Force and guests during the Artillery Day 2023 celebrations, organized at the 16th Missile and Rocket Group. Harpia meets a long-standing need of the Astros Army Strategic Program for an autonomous remote aerial system capable of search and target designation.

Harpia is a compact, high-performance UAS characterized by its modularity and flexible structure. This design allows for an increase in capabilities without the need for significant ground equipment upgrades. It is designed for long-range surveillance, both day and night and can reach up to 200 kilometers.

This multi-role drone was initially designed for the surveillance of areas controlled by criminal factions, forest and environmental monitoring, fire prevention, illegal logging, and deforestation, and for border patrol missions against trafficking and fraud. It is also suitable for search and rescue operations thanks to its ability to detect mobile phones by cross-referencing their coordinates.

Harpia has exceeded all these initial requirements, drawing the attention of the Army's Project Office for its capabilities, cost-benefit ratio, and technological maturity, making it a potential candidate to meet the needs of the Astros UAS/SARP/VANT system.