Nichols Martin
AeroVironment has delivered a NATO-compliant maritime unmanned aircraft system to Germany’s navy.
The company said Monday the Puma UAS is designed to be used with existing naval vessels without the need for extensive modifications. The units are fitted with the Mantis i45 sensor and remote video terminals to provide surveillance capabilities.
Germany will receive Pumas co-produced with German firm ESGÂ to comply with the country’s operational requirements for equipment.
Kirk Flittie, vice president and general manager of AeroVironment’s UAS business unit, stated that the Pumas will aid the German navy in supporting mission integration with NATO forces.
The Puma system originally entered development under a competitive program of record hosted by the U.S. Special Operations Command in 2008.
The UAS is now being used in the U.S. Navy‘s patrol operations, the U.S. Army‘s convoy and ground troop support missions and the U.S. Marine Corps.
