A successful operational deployment of a long-range drone for enhanced maritime surveillance and other Coast Guard duties, conducted during the summer of 2026, has officially concluded. Provided by the European Maritime Safety Agency (EMSA) under the mission command of the Icelandic Coast Guard (ICG), the field-proven service relied on experienced flight crews from Portuguese drone company Tekever to operate the aircraft.
Operations utilized a single Tekever AR5 system, which features a 7-meter wingspan, cruises at approximately 60 knots, and is equipped with advanced sensors and systems, including integrated ADS-B and SSR (Mode C) transponders. Remote pilots from Tekever operated the aircraft via satellite link from Hornafjörður Airport in Höfn.
The drone used was a Tekever AR5 model with a 7-meter wingspan, flying at a speed of approximately 60 knots; the AR5 is equipped with various high-tech systems and sensors, as well as ADS-B and SSR (Mode C) transponders. The drone was operated via satellite by Tekever remote pilots from Airport at Hofn Hornafirdi.
For the project, designated danger areas were established and promulgated for the drone’s flight operations, extending from sea level up to an altitude of 3,000 to 5,000 feet.
The deployment was highly successful. EMSA, the Icelandic Coast Guard, and Tekever extend their sincere appreciation to all partners involved for their collaboration this summer, with special thanks to the Icelandic Transport Authority (Samgöngustofa), Avians, and Isavia Domestic Airports for their essential support.