A NADI-based company says it has the capability to assist authorities in the war against drug cultivation and border patrols through the use of unmanned aerial systems or UAS.
Kevin Rotsaert, CEO of Skyward Industries, said he established business in Fiji to give Government and the private sector affordable access to unmanned aerial vehicles or drones.
“The use of UAS is a key to the solution on illegal activities here and in the region,” Mr Rotsaert said.
He added obtaining UAS from overseas was beyond the reach of the Government and the private sector for small island nations.
“This is precisely the reason why Skyward Industries exists.
“We are a Fijian company and develop UAS locally, to exactly solve the problem that is currently on hand.
“The company has invested well over a million and continues to heavily invest, precisely so that our clients in Fiji don’t have to.
“The UAS industry is a very difficult one, but through developing our own machines and technology here, we have managed to bring this technology to our doorstep.”
Mr Rotsaert said while UAS technology available to the public was limited in its capabilities, Skyward had access to the type of systems required to conduct surveillance work.
“Our team has access to publicly-restricted technology for the use of advanced aerial missions through our various international partners and connections, allowing us to assist both private and Government clients locally.
“Typically, UAS would be too expensive to find any illegal activity, especially when it needs to come from overseas, but through a local and well-established company with international ties such as Skyward, the issue of pricing is mitigated.
“In terms of the effectiveness of these machines, they are in fact quite effective when it comes to supporting our ground troops in keeping them safe and informed at all times.”
