Kestrel - Persistent Ground Surveillance Systems was designed for use on a tethered blimp, the Kestrel surveillance system is the only technology of its kind that can scan a city-sized area at once — both day and night. This provides a heightened level of security for troops, particularly at forward operating bases. With its 360-degree field of view, Kestrel allows operators to simultaneously track and record multiple targets in medium-resolution over many kilometers. Kestrel can also cue full motion video (FMV) sensors for higher resolution imaging.

Over the last 10 years, the Iraqi government has committed to purchasing several billion dollars worth of U.S. military equipment. Since the withdrawal of U.S. combat forces from Iraq in December 2011, more than a dozen large U.S. defense firms have deployed personnel and equipment to support these programs.