The request for the drones was announced in a Combined Synopsis/Solicitation
contract document released on Monday.
The government of Tajikistan will use the drones to build
capacity in securing its borders, enforcing its laws, and interdicting illicit
drugs and arms transiting the region, the State Department said in the
document.
“These small unit UAS systems will be used by the Tajik
Border Force for aerial reconnaissance and situational awareness in the
vicinity of border posts/outposts situated along the Tajik-Afghan border,” the
State Department said. The drones will be a donation from the State Department’s
International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs to the Tajik Border Force (TBF).
The Skydio X2D Color/Thermal (multi-band) UAS has been
previously purchased by the Department of State for donation to the Tajik
Ministry of Internal Affairs (MIA/OMON) for use on the Afghan border. “As such,
interoperability between MIA/OMON and TBF is an important factor and a
cost-saving benefit when training personnel,” State Department officials said
in the document.
“The Skydio X2D Color/Thermal (multi-band) short-range
reconnaissance drone has unique properties in that it is NDAA compliant, ‘made
in America’ UAS with encrypted data security, multi-band technology and
capabilities, and unmatched autonomy through the use of six 4K navigation
cameras,” officials added. “The ability to toggle between frequencies allows
for secure communication without interference.”
Results of market research by the State Department identified
the Skydio X2D Color/Thermal UAS Drone as the only U.S. brand name known to the
purchaser that fully satisfies the end user's requirements, the State Department
said.
“The government will entertain other ‘Made in America’
options that are NDAA compliant,” officials said. “Other systems with competitive
features include the Autel Robotics EVO II Dual 640T Drone and the DJI Mavic 3T Thermal Enterprise Drone, however, both are non-U.S. companies, non-NDAA
compliant, and made in China.”
