The CL-289 reconnaissance system is an unmanned airborne reconnaissance vehicle for use at corps and divisional level. The system has been in service with the German and French armies since 1992 and has been deployed for peacekeeping operations in Bosnia and Kosovo by French and German armed forces. The 7th Artillery Regiment of the French Army has four PIVER batteries with 54 CL-289 drones in service.
CL-289 was developed as a tri-national project between Canada, France and Germany. Bombardier Inc and the Canadair Group of Canada were the system leaders and Dornier GmbH (an EADS company) the prime contractor.
Safran (formerly SAGEM) and EADS (formerly Aerospatiale-Matra Missiles), under contract to the French Government, are responsible for the electro-optic systems. EADS carries out the coordination for the French PIVER ground system.
Ruud Boots