Jan O'Sullivan (Limerick East, Labour)
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Question 79: To ask the Minister for Defence if he will confirm that an unmanned air vehicle used by the Army disappeared while in use on a reconnaissance mission; if the loss is believed to be due to mechanical failure or hostile act; the estimated value of the UAV; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26023/08]

Martin Ferris (Kerry North, Sinn Fein)
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Question 95: To ask the Minister for Defence if he will explain the loss of one of two unmanned air vehicle spy drones purchased in 2007 at a cost of €800,000; if the reason for it going missing has been established; and if the costs can be recouped from the Israeli arms manufacturing company from whom it was purchased. [25922/08]

Willie O'Dea (Limerick East, Fianna Fail)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 79 and 95 together.

An order for two (2) man portable mini Unmanned Aerial Vehicle Systems, commonly referred to as UAVs, was placed with Aeronautics Defence Systems Limited from Israel, in May 2007. The value of the order was in the region of €780,000, inclusive of VAT. The award of the contract followed on from a two stage tender competition in which eight proposals were initially received and three tenders subsequently evaluated by a Military Board in the first quarter of 2007. Delivery of the UAV systems took place at the end of 2007.

The UAV systems were acquired to enhance the capability of the Defence Forces to carry out surveillance and target acquisition for overseas Peace Support Operations. The UAVs have the capability to provide a low cost and low risk means to increase capabilities and enhance force protection by performing missions without requiring or risking the use of manned aircraft. The UAVs are an information-gathering asset and are unarmed.

Both UAV Systems have three unmanned mini airframes and the cost of each mini airframe is €70,000. Three mini airframes were deployed for operational use in Chad. Since the commencement of the mission in Chad one mini airframe has been lost and another damaged.

I am advised by the military authorities that on 19 March 2008, following a report of unidentified armed elements near Goz Beida in Chad, a mini unmanned airframe was launched by Defence Forces personnel. After approximately 25 minutes the controllers lost contact with the airframe. The airframe was not subsequently recovered. An investigation by the Defence Forces into the loss of the mini airframe proved inconclusive mainly due to the fact that the airframe was not recovered.

On 14 June 2008, another mini unmanned airframe was launched during an incident in Goz Beida. Shortly after the launch, the airframe malfunctioned. The airframe was recovered but was damaged. An investigation is being carried out by the military authorities into this malfunction. The investigation, which is ongoing, involves contact with the Israeli supplier, Aeronautics Defence Systems Limited.

The UAV systems are covered by warranty relating to the replacement or repair of any parts found to be defective or not working properly. The normal procedure is that a warranty claim will be raised on finalisation of investigations into issues that arise with regard to such equipment. If a warranty claim is validated, the defective parts will be replaced or repaired free of charge and the issue of recoupment of costs does not arise.

The loss or damage to equipment is not taken lightly by the Defence Forces. Every effort is made to establish the reasons for damage to or loss of equipment with the primary purpose of ensuring that, as far as possible, such incidents do not occur in the future.