The Netherlands is hoping to award a contract in January to increase its unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) capacity in Afghanistan.

The objective is to have the new unmanned aircraft operational in March 2009, which requires a January contract award, the state secretary for defense, Jack de Vries, told the Dutch parliament. The timeline is "very tight," he warned and any delays would affect operational availability in the combat area.

The tactical UAV is supposed to be used to help detect improvised explosive devices and to give commanders better situational awareness. At least six hours a day of UAV coverage are required.

The Netherlands says the UAV will be of Israeli design and service provided by British civilians, de Vries pointed out. Industry officials note QinetiQ is the service provider using an air vehicle provided by Israel's Aeronatics Defense System.

The contract is valued at between 25-50 million euros.