AeroVironment has secured a $30.9 million contract to supply its advanced Puma unmanned aircraft systems for Germany’s LARUS airborne reconnaissance program. The award strengthens AeroVironment’s position in the European defense market. Moreover, it expands the company’s long-standing partnership with the German Bundeswehr. The procurement is being managed through the NATO Support and Procurement Agency (NSPA) under the UAS Partnership.
The agreement provides Germany with a complete package of Puma AE (All Environment) and Puma LE (Long Endurance) capabilities. Furthermore, the integrated solution combines advanced reconnaissance technologies, communications systems, and autonomous capabilities into a single deployment package. This procurement represents one of the largest European investments in the Puma platform.
“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 agreement, AeroVironment will supply advanced payloads, communication technologies, autonomy retrofit kits, and ground control systems. In addition, the company will provide operator training and specialized payload instruction. Deliveries are scheduled for completion by the end of 2026.
Germany Expands Puma Reconnaissance Capabilities
The contract includes nearly every major enhancement developed for the Puma family. For example, Germany will receive HD59 LD electro-optical and infrared payloads with laser designation capability for precision targeting missions. Additionally, the package includes Signal Intelligence (SIGINT) payloads for both Puma AE and Puma LE configurations. These systems improve signals collection and intelligence-gathering capabilities during tactical operations.
The order also features Vertical Take-off and Landing (VTOL) kits, allowing Puma systems to operate effectively in confined or challenging environments. Meanwhile, next-generation Tomahawk Kinesis™-enabled Ground Control Stations will support mobile, vehicle-based, and dismounted operations with enhanced operational flexibility. Furthermore, AeroVironment will deliver Mobile Ad hoc Network (MANET) communication relay kits. These systems extend communications while supporting resilient beyond-line-of-sight connectivity. The package also includes Autonomy Retrofit Kits (ARK) that enable the latest autonomous software across compatible Puma platforms.
To ensure operational readiness, Germany will also receive field repair kits, smart battery assemblies, mounting equipment, bungee launch systems, retrofit components, and comprehensive training support.
“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.”
AeroVironment Strengthens European Defense Presence
The LARUS program is managed by the Federal Office of Bundeswehr Equipment, Information Technology and In-Service Support (BAAINBw). The initiative focuses on deploying advanced tactical unmanned aircraft systems for airborne reconnaissance missions. Although Germany has previously operated Puma AE platforms, this latest acquisition significantly expands operational capacity with upgraded payloads, communications technologies, and autonomous capabilities.
Moreover, the award highlights AeroVironment’s growing presence across Europe. Working closely with the NSPA LQ Programme, the company continues to support allied nations with interoperable and NATO-compliant small unmanned aircraft systems designed for rapid deployment and long-term operational support.
“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.”
Explore IT Tech News for the latest advancements in Information Technology & insightful updates from industry experts!
News Source: Businesswire.com
