RSAF’s Hermes 900 Makes Public Debut

Our Bureau - : Feb 3, 2026 - : 7:52 pm

The Republic of Singapore Air Force (RSAF) is currently showcasing its latest leap in unmanned aerial capabilities at the ongoing airshow. This year marks a significant milestone for the event, celebrating its 10th edition amidst a burgeoning Asia-Pacific aerospace market that now accounts for over 50 per cent of global aviation growth. Central to the RSAF static display is the Elbit Systems Hermes 900, a Medium-Altitude Long-Endurance (MALE) Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) that is making its highly anticipated public debut at the show.

The presence of the Hermes 900 represents a critical phase in the Singapore Armed Forces (SAF) 2040 transformation roadmap. Having only been officially announced as the successor to the ageing Hermes 450 fleet in November 2025, the platform is now being presented to the international defence community and the public for the first time.

The transition to this advanced system highlights Singapore’s strategic shift towards persistent, high-altitude surveillance and multi-sensor integration. With an endurance of up to 36 hours and an operational ceiling of 30,000 feet, the Hermes 900 provides the RSAF with more than double the time-on-station compared to its predecessor.

According to reports from The Straits Times, CNA, and the Ministry of Defence’s PIONEER magazine, the Hermes 900 is one of ten RSAF assets on static display, positioned alongside other next-generation platforms like the Orbiter 4 UAV and the H225M medium-lift helicopter. These sources confirm that while the RSAF has operated the Hermes 450 for nearly two decades, the delivery of the Hermes 900 is a decisive move to maintain qualitative superiority in a region increasingly defined by rapid military modernisation.

More Unmanned Systems
The Hermes 900 is equipped with a versatile payload capacity of 300 kilograms, allowing it to carry electro-optical infrared (EO/IR) sensors, synthetic-aperture radar, and maritime patrol configurations. This capability is vital for Singapore’s aim to “see first, decide first, and act precisely” within its constrained geographical depth. Colonel Max Ng Han Lin, chairman of the RSAF flying display committee, noted during a media preview on 31 January 2026 that the air force is breaking out of its traditional mould this year, reflecting a broader commitment to innovation across both its aerial and static showcases.

Asia-Pacific Market Leadership
For Elbit Systems, the RSAF’s public display of the Hermes 900 serves as a powerful endorsement of the platform, which is already in service with over 20 international operators. The contract for these systems, estimated by industry trackers to be worth approximately US$300 million (SGD402 million), underscores the high-value investment Singapore is placing in autonomous intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) technologies.

Future-ready Transformation
As the RSAF progressively takes delivery of the Hermes 900, the fleet is expected to reach full operational capability by the end of the decade. The integration of satellite data links and advanced data-analysis infrastructure ensures that the UAV will function as a central node in Singapore’s network-centric warfare architecture. Mr Leck Chet Lam, Managing Director of organiser Experia Events, stated on 1 February 2026 that the scale of this year’s show reflects “strong international support,” as regional governments and industry leaders recalibrate their defence strategies for a post-pandemic and geopolitically uncertain era.