Ecuador is working with Brazil in the manufacture of prototype unmanned aircraft to be used by the countries of the Union of South American Nations (UNSAUR).
According to statements by the Coordinating Minister for Security, Fernando Cordero, verified results are expected by 2015 and the aircraft should be in operable condition the following year.
In statements to the Ecuadorian news agency Andes, he added that once drone construction results are verified, mass production could begin.
Cordero said that these drones are not exclusively military, but are very useful for border controls, and for monitoring areas affected by natural disasters, among others.
In this regard, the Center for Research and Development of the Ecuadorian Air Force projected prototype drones for surveillance and control in critical areas, disaster zones, environmental issues, energy and agriculture sovereignty.
Recently a similar project came to light when representatives of Argentina, Brazil, Ecuador and Venezuela decided to collaborate to make the Unasur I aircraft, a basic training aircraft for the military.
According to the Minister of Defense of Brazil, his country will provide 38 million dollars to the program, Argentina will provide 16 million, while Venezuela and Ecuador will contribute three million each.
The drone was designed by the Argentine Aircraft Factory Brigadier San Martín S.A. and in this country is known as the IA-73.
In his Twitter account, Ecuadorian Foreign Minister Ricardo Patiño, said: “Another historical step in regional integration and independence, UNASUR builds its own planes”.