Contract Secured for Advanced Unmanned Aircraft Fleet & Autonomous Technology

AeroVironment has been selected by the German Bundeswehr, through the NATO Support and Procurement Agency under the UAS Partnership, to deliver a $30.9 million portfolio of next-generation Puma unmanned aircraft systems for the LARUS airborne reconnaissance program.

This contract marks one of the most significant European Puma procurements to date, providing Germany with a single, integrated package of advanced Puma AE (All Environment) and Puma LE (Long Endurance) capabilities. The procurement effort is managed by the Federal Office of Bundeswehr Equipment, Information Technology and In-Service Support (BAAINBw), which focuses on deploying small, tactical unmanned systems for airborne reconnaissance. While Germany has previously fielded the Puma AE, this new initiative significantly expands both capacity and capability by layering the latest technological enhancements across the extended Puma family.

“Germany has been a long-standing Puma operator, and this award represents a decisive step into the fully modernized Puma family,” said Wahid Nawabi, Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer at AV. “By acquiring the full spectrum of Puma capabilities at once, from advanced sensors and Signal Intelligence payloads to Vertical Take-off and Landing systems as well as autonomy kits, the Bundeswehr is effectively moving straight to a highly-integrated, multi-mission, all-domain reconnaissance solution built on a proven platform.”

Under the purchase order, AeroVironment will deliver a full suite of advanced payloads, ground control technologies, communications, and autonomy kits to support Germany’s small tactical unmanned aircraft requirements. The agreement also encompasses new equipment training and specialized payload training, with all deliveries required to be completed no later than late 2026.

The portfolio incorporates nearly every major hardware and software enhancement developed for the platform to date. This includes high-definition, laser-designating electro-optical/infrared payloads via HD59 LD kits for the Puma LE, which enable true laser target designation capabilities for precision engagements. The systems will also feature Signal Intelligence (SIGINT) payloads for both Puma 3 AE and Puma LE configurations to support advanced signals collection and sensing missions, alongside Vertical Take-off and Landing (VTOL) kits enabling flexible flight operations in constrained environments.

Next-generation ground control stations delivered under the program will feature Tomahawk Kinesis-enabled configurations, including specialized controllers and ultralight or tactical variants to support mobile, dismounted, and vehicle-based operations. Communications will be reinforced via Mobile Ad hoc Network (MANET) relay kits to provide extended, robust, and resilient beyond-line-of-sight connectivity. Additionally, Autonomy Retrofit Kits (ARK) will implement advanced autonomous capabilities and the latest autonomy software across the hardware, supported by a comprehensive package of field repair kits, bungee launch systems, smart battery assemblies, and mounting setups to ensure operational readiness.

“This is the first time a customer has taken essentially the entire Puma capability stack in a single program, which sends a strong signal to our global user community,” said Trace Stevenson, President of Autonomous Systems at AV. “It’s a powerful validation that our continuous investment in sensors, autonomy, communications, and ground control has transformed Puma from a legacy tactical UAS into a modern, networked reconnaissance node that can plug seamlessly into joint and allied operations.”

The award further underscores the company’s expanding presence in Europe. Working closely with the LQ NSPA Programme, AeroVironment supports multiple allied nations with interoperable, NATO-compliant small unmanned aircraft solutions designed for rapid deployment and reliable regional sustainment.

“Europe is a critical growth market for AV, and our collaboration with NSPA and Germany on LARUS is a clear example of how we’re deepening our partnerships across the region,” said Chris Black, Senior Director of Business Development for AV Europe. “By delivering a fully modernized Puma fleet tailored for European missions and infrastructure, we’re not only supporting Germany’s operational needs, we’re also helping to strengthen allied interoperability and resilience across NATO’s eastern and central theaters.”